EU Environment Council

Thursday 3rd March 2016 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Rory Stewart)]

I will attend the EU Environment Council in Brussels on 4 March, along with the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Climate Change, Lord Bourne,

The Scottish Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, Dr Aileen McLeod MSP, will also be attending Council.

Following adoption of the agenda, the list of “A” items will be approved.

Under non-legislative activities, the Council will debate the EU action plan for the circular economy and the follow-up to COP21 (climate change). There will be an exchange of views on the European semester/annual growth survey 2016 and the contribution of the environment and climate to growth and jobs. The Council will adopt a draft statement on endocrine disruptors.

Over lunch Ministers will be invited to discuss the ratification of the Paris agreement (climate change).

The following items are due to be discussed under any other business:

Energy transition—promoting environmentally friendly forms of energy in the EU.

Implementing the 7th environmental action plan.

Minamata package (i) proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on mercury, and repealing regulation (EC) No 1102/2008; (ii) proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion of the Minamata convention on mercury.

Real driving emissions (RDE).

EU action plan on wildlife trafficking.

Innovation deals.

[HCWS575]