Cullen discusses EU Presidency environment agenda with Wallstrom
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Cullen discusses EU Presidency environment agenda with Wallstrom
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. Martin Cullen, T.D., for over 2 hours this morning (23rd October 2003) met European Environment Commissioner, Margot Wallstrom, in Dublin to discuss preparations for Ireland's upcoming EU Presidency.
The Minister and the Commissioner had a positive and productive discussion on environmental priorities for the Irish Presidency. As well as being a historical time for the European Union, with the formal accession of ten new Member States, the window of opportunity in which to do business will be challenging in view of European Parliament elections. Minister Cullen said "I am determined to pursue an ambitious but realistic agenda, ensuring that the Council operates with maximum possible efficiency and effectiveness". As well as working to build and support a good dynamic within the Council, Minister Cullen assured the Commissioner of the importance he attached to a good working relationship with the other Institutions.
Commissioner Wallstrom underlined the importance she attaches to the forthcoming Irish Presidency: "I look forward to working closely with Minister Cullen during the Irish Presidency which comes at an important juncture in the European environment policy agenda. We will be looking for agreement on a number of key proposals". During the first half of 2004, Ireland will give priority to EU policy and legislative proposals in the areas of air and water quality, climate change, waste management, chemicals and nature conservation, as well as preparations for effective EU participation in major international events such as the 7th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Malaysia in February.
A key priority for Minister Cullen will be the environmental input to the debate on Lisbon Agenda at the Spring European Council. The Minister told the Commissioner that he will "press for growth and social progress decoupled from environmental damage". In terms of sustainable development, "Ireland is" he said "committed to promoting innovation and investment in clean technologies, and the anticipated Commission proposal on an Environmental Technologies Action Plan will be an important element of preparations for the Spring European Council".
Minister Cullen also took the opportunity to brief the Commissioner on the new Office of Environmental Enforcement (OEE) which he announced the previous day. "Through the Office of Environmental Enforcement" he told the Commissioner, "Ireland now has a powerful enforcement agency, and that those who flout the law and cause environmental pollution will be held to account". Under the Protection of the Environment Act 2003, fines of up to €15 million can be imposed for convictions on indictment for environmental pollution offences. The Commissioner congratulated Minister Cullen on the creation of the office: "I warmly welcome this initiative. Enforcement is essential for effective environmental policy. I look forward to being kept informed on the work of the Office which could serve as a useful example for some other Member States".
Ms Wallstrom also attended a European Investment Bank forum on Visions of Environmental Sustainability: Europe's Long-Term Energy and Water Policies.