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Ministers started their meeting with a public session on the European Climate Law in advance of an expected European Council decision on the 2030 climate target in December. The exchange focussed on reaching a partial general approach of the Council for this regulation. Ministers also sought to approve conclusions of the Council on urgent action on preserving and restoring Europe’s biodiversity. Diverse ecosystems are more resilient to change, and so greater biodiversity can help prevent ecosystem collapse in a warming global climate. The conclusions will support the EU’s biodiversity strategy for 2030, which aims help recover the continent’s biodiversity through actions such as protecting at least 30% of land and sea areas and reducing pesticide use by half.
Ministers also heard from the Polish delegation on proposals for a reform of the EU Emissions Trading System, and from the Dutch delegation on preparations for next year’s Climate Adaptation Summit and World Circular Economy Forum meeting. At the end of the meeting, the European Commission reported on the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and access to environmental justice.