Švédské předsednictví v Radě EU: Ministerská jednání zdůrazňují na evropský potenciál efektivnější ekonomiky

As EU energy and environment ministers gather for a joint informal meeting in Åre on 23-25 July, the Swedish Presidency is highlighting the potential of an eco-effective economy. Among those specially invited to speak on European opportunities in the transition to an eco-efficient economy is the British economist Lord Nicholas Stern.

The eco-efficiency theme recurs at several ministerial councils during the Swedish EU Presidency. The first time will be at this informal meeting of energy and environment ministers, then later in the autumn at the meeting of competitiveness ministers.

“We want to create a common understanding of Europe’s potential to overcome the economic crisis through a green wave moving towards stronger competitiveness, prosperity and new jobs. An eco-efficient economy can pave the way for new jobs, where small- and medium-sized enterprises play a central role in new innovative solutions, growth and jobs," says Minister for Enterprise and Energy Maud Olofsson.

“If we are to manage climate change with growing economies we must adapt the way we build, live and move around. Global demand for environmental solutions that contribute to that transformation will be great. By adapting early, the EU can gain a competitive edge while doing our bit for the climate," says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren.

By highlighting examples, the Presidency wants to show how committed and proactive environmental work can result in international competitive advantages. At the same time, the Swedish Presidency wants to contribute to the discussion on how a new Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs will result in a greener Europe. The ministerial discussions on an eco-efficient economy also provide an opportunity to strengthen the EU position ahead of the climate negotiations in Copenhagen.

The energy ministers will start their meeting on Thursday with a discussion on an action plan for energy efficiency. The ministers will also review proposed legislation for energy efficient buildings and labelling of energy efficient products and tyres.

The joint session of environment and energy ministers on Friday will discuss European potential on the basis of the background report for the meeting by the Stockholm Environment Institute: A European Eco-Efficient Economy – Governing climate, energy and competitiveness. In connection with the working session, Lord Nicholas Stern and South African Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs Buyelwa Patience Sonjica will deliver addresses. The Executive Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAE) Nobuo Tanaka will participate in the panel debate that follows.

The environment ministers will continue to discuss an eco-efficient economy and contribution to the Lisbon Strategy together with John Hontelez from the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) and Jacqueline McGlade from the European Environment Agency (EEA).

The environment ministers will then focus on the climate change issue. The Presidency is now gathering the ministers ahead of the final autumn spurt in the negotiations up to the UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen. The invited guests include Michael Zammit Cutajar and John Ashe, who will chair the working groups in the UN climate negotiations.

Videorecord of Ministers Carlgren and Olofsson's press conference is available at http://www.se2009.eu/en/meetings_news/2009/7/21/ministerial_meetings_highlight_europe_s_potential_for_an_eco-efficient_economy.