Document DdZYyDjO7ZxyV7D6JxxR8DLoM
Ref. Ares(2023)3666686 - 26/05/2023
European
Environmental
Bureau
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Contents
Introduction........................................................................................................................................................ 1 Ten Green Tests for the Slovenian Presidency .............................................................................................. 2 1 Drive a just transition to a sustainable and resilient Europe with the European Green Deal at its core...................................................................................................................................................................... 6 2 Catalyse the green transition through tax reform and use of the MFF and Recovery Package ........... 9 3 Address the climate emergency and promote sustainable mobility ..................................................... 11 4 Reverse the dramatic loss of biodiversity and invest in the resilience of our ecosystems ................. 14 5 Initiate a rapid transition towards sustainable food and agriculture .................................................... 17 6 Promote a zero pollution ambition - clean water and clean air for all.................................................. 19 7 Drive a Circular Economy and prevent waste ........................................................................................... 21 8 Shift towards a zero-pollution industry ..................................................................................................... 23 9 Support a toxic-free environment and the ambitious implementation of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability .................................................................................................................................................... 25 10 Promote solidarity, wellbeing, social and environmental justice, and accountability ....................... 27
Introduction
The Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU will hopefully see Europe fully emerge from the Corona crisis with a strong sense of solidarity and building back better. Slovenia will inherit very significant legislative and policy responsibilities for its leadership, building on the current and earlier Portuguese and German Presidencies in the DE-PTSI Trio from July 2020 to December 2021.
Particularly high-profile climate and environmental dossiers include the Fit for 55 Package which reforms a dozen policy files and the Zero Pollution Action Plan, that has water, air and soil at its heart, but is also part of a wider integrated approach and hence also a rich portfolio to manage under the Presidency. It will also have important responsibility in the area of circular economy where the Batteries Law revision and Waste Shipment Regulation will feature, in biodiversity-related policies given the Forest Strategy, the review of the EU's Pollinator Initiative, the Mobility Package, TEN-E Regulation, and the greening of the European Semester as well as the file on Sustainable Corporate Governance.
The Slovenian Council Presidency will also lead the EU in a range of critically important international environmental and climate fora - the start of the international biodiversity meetings are currently planned in Kunming, China on 11-24 October focusing on the CBD COP 15, Cartagena Protocol COP-MOP 10, as well as the Nagoya Protocol COPMOP 4; the Climate COP: UNFCCC COP 26 in Glasgow on 9-20 November that will welcome back the USA;; MOP-7 of the Aarhus Convention on 18-21 October in Geneva; and the Triple COP BRS: COP 15 Basel, COP 10 Rotterdam and COP 10 Stockholm, over the period 26-30 July in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Covid-19 crisis is a defining context for this Presidency Trio and while Covid-19 has slowed progress, it has not undermined the European Green Deal (EGD). The agreements reached during the Slovenian Council Presidency will help to ensure
the legacy of the whole Presidency Trio. Each Presidency country has specific responsibilities and priorities in getting agreements across Member States. Each Presidency also has a strong role in leading by example to set the tone, pace and ambition of other countries.
The EEB, building on consultation with its more than 170 members, with its wider civil society partnerships and stakeholder discussions, has developed a series of specific `asks' across environmental areas - our Dozen Demands for the Presidency Trio. From these we have extracted and further developed Ten Green Tests for the Slovenian Presidency, where the engagement, commitment and solidarity of this Presidency can make a lasting and fundamental difference. These were approved by the EEB Board which has representatives from more than 30 countries and several European networks.
The Ten Green Tests include both the policy dossiers coming from the EGD, wider EU policy and legal frameworks, the international dimension, and examples of where Slovenia leading by example could be inspirational to other countries. The Ten Green Tests present civil society's vision as to what would constitute a needed success by the Slovenian Presidency of the EU in the context of the challenges the planet and society face.
We therefore propose the following Ten Green Tests and look forward to working with the Slovenian Presidency directly and via our members to support a successful Presidency that can take the EU several steps forward in the transition to living within the limits of our one planet. We recognise that the Council Presidency relies upon the cooperation of the entire Council and therefore also call upon all Member States to take the Ten Tests as benchmarks for their Council engagement to make the most of the upcoming six months.
Jeremy Wates Secretary General
1
Ten Green Tests for the Slovenian Presidency
1 Drive a just transition to a sustainable and resilient Europe
with the European Green Deal at its core
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7 Catalyse the green transition through tax reform and use of
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| Reverse the dramatic loss of biodiversity and invest in the resilience of our ecosystems 41 CBioonditviernsuitteoy Fdermaomneswiorrakt,ebEacUkleedadueprsbhyipprfoograenssamatbihtoimoeu:s post2020Global 42 Ensurethe Coundilnsistson abiodiversity focused EU Foret Strategy: 43 Stepup actiontotackle the divofedercinse in polinators; 44 rpersetpoarraetitohneCloauiwnnd202fo2r:the timelyadoption ofan ambitious nature 45 Safeguardfreshwaterecosystemsandcleanwaterfor al 46 Promotethrivingmarine and coastal ecosystems.
5 Initiate a rapid transition towards sustainable food and
agriculture 51 aPnrdomBootdeiseursstyaStirnataegbfioelosde;system thts aigned withthe Farm to Fork 5:2. ItnhseisCtoounncaironbeugsottfiraatmieowononsrktfhoerrcelviimsiaotneoafctthioenEifnfotrhte SahgarrciuntguRreegsuelcattoironin
(ESR)an Land Ue, LandUseChangeandForestry (LULUCP) Regulation; 53 Leadby example through a cimate- and nature-riendlyCAPstrategicplan. ( Promote the zero-pollution ambition - clean water and clean air for all 1 AadnopStolClo(uZ0nAdP)Ctohnactl,ustieornsloin, tghhZerothPoellnuteioen 0ActtiaocnklPelapnofotWiaoteantr, Air
Sionusrtcreu,meinmtsptloepmreotmnhoettepodleluatnerprpoadyuscptriionncainpde sdteambainsdhmfeinaanscuiarletso address nise and light pollution: 62 GDiuriedcetiMveesm:ber States tothe ambitious revision of theAmbiAerQnualtty 63 WafofrecktiintgshutrhfeacEeuarnopdegarnoCuonmdmwiastseiron to revise the stosf pollutants 64 Rheedauticnega,iarndpoptroimoonteatbsooludrcaec,tiionnclguadiinngtraiormpolalguitciuoknuartetahneddinotmeernsattiiconal level throughth revisionoftheGothenburgProtocol.
7 rive a circular economy and prevent waste
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8 shit towards a zero pottution industry
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1.0) Promote solidarity. wellbeing, social and environmental
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1 Drive ajust transition to a
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the European Green Deal at its core
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1.1 Embrace the European Green Deal as a core Slovenian Presidency priority
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1.2 Promote an 8 Environment Action Programme that monitors the EGD, SDGs
and wider sustainability progress with a commitment for high-level debate and
response by all EU institutions
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Formore details, seethe EEB's Feedback10 the SEAP.
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1.3 Promote the Greening of the European Semester to fully integrate the EGD, SDGs and fiscal reform with a view to strengthening resilience
The European Semester is the key vehicle for EU recommendations on economic reform at Member State level and has integrated macroeconomic concerns linked to climate change, circular economy, the SDGs and now also the National Recovery and Resilience Plans. For 2021, there will be no formal country specific recommendations (CSRs) given the focus on NRRP implementation. The NRRPs, in principle, should have included economic reforms to help with building back better and implementing a green transition.
We therefore call upon the Slovenian Presidency to:
x Promote discussions on the need for green tax reform, harmful subsidy reform and greater use of green public procurement as well as fines and fees for non-compliance to improve economic signals and respect the polluter pays principle;
x Further integrate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to make them a core part of the Semester;
x Demand that the costs of inaction on the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation and pollution impacts on health are assessed and integrated into economic policy considerations;
x Bring the wellbeing economy into the Semester and explore policies for living within planetary boundaries and where economic activities put more into creating a healthier planet than they take away;
x Monitor progress with the implementation of the NRRPs - both investments and reforms - and ensure sustainability promises are kept and zero tolerance for practices that break the Green Oath of Do no significant harm (see Test #3).
1.4 Push forward the reform of the EU's international trade policy to be fully aligned with the EGD's objectives, notably by withdrawing from the Energy Charter Treaty and by not ratifying the current Mercosur agreement
In February 2021, the Commission published its Communication on the EU's Renewed Trade Policy. How the EU will reconcile its commitments under the EGD with its trade policy is still unknown, especially regarding several highly controversial agreements. For instance, the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT), an international investment agreement governing cross-border cooperation in the energy sector, is outdated and in stark contradiction with the climate ambitions of today and the EGD. Negotiations to modernise the ECT are underway, but these will not address the fundamental problems with the Treaty. The only viable long-term position that the EU can take, that is coherent with its other policies, is to withdraw entirely from the ECT.
Moreover, the Mercosur agreement is highly problematic with little guarantees provided for the environment, in contrast to what the new trade policy allegedly seeks to provide. Lastly, the 12th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in December will be a key political opportunity for the EU to openly commit to a change in its approach to international trade that
is coherent with tackling the climate crisis, achieving the SDGs and environmental protection.
We therefore call upon the Slovenian Presidency to:
x Lead the Council to take a long-term progressive approach to the ECT by demanding the EU's withdrawal from the ECT, so that the EU and the Member States have the freedom to regulate the energy sector in line with climate commitments and the EGD without the threat of retaliation from the industry;
x Resist any attempt to split the Mercosur agreement to facilitate its ratification, and take strong and binding measures to ensure that the negative environmental, social and socio-economic effects of the trade agreement - such as alarming deforestation of the Amazon, resource depletion and human rights abuses - are halted;
x Take a progressive stance at the WTO 12th Ministerial Conference to lead an effective reform of the global trading rules towards environmental protection, fulfilment of the SDGs and tackling the climate crisis.
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1.5 Ensure transparency and public participation in the roll out of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans and the Economic Investment Plan
The Green Agenda for the Western Balkans has the potential to drive the transition towards a sustainable, carbon-neutral economy oriented at planetary health and peoples' wellbeing. The aim of the Agenda, which comes as part of a 9 billion Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, is to stimulate the economies in the Western Balkans while bringing the region up to standard with the EU's environmental standards
and climate objectives, reducing corruption and strengthening democracy.
We therefore call upon the Slovenian Presidency to:
x Ensure meaningful and structured participation of European and local civil society in the implementation of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans and the Economic Investment Plan.
1.6 Ensure that the `Better Regulation' process contributes to the EGD
The Better Regulation Communication launched by the European Commission during the Portuguese Presidency explicitly developed the One-in-One-out principle, raising concerns that the 'better regulation' agenda that focuses on burden reduction and simplification will undermine the objectives of the European Green Deal, including potentially the Green Oath to do no harm. The highlevel Fit-for-Future programme is assessing a set of environmental and other legislative files from the perspective of simplification and burden reduction. While the European Commission has underlined
that the EGD and Green Oath will be respected, there are clear risks in the process.
We therefore call upon the Slovenian Presidency to:
x Ensure that the EGD and the Green Oath are respected in the Fit-for-Future work (via the Fit for Future Platform) and that there is no legislative regression, oversimplification or business and administrative burden reduction to the detriment of health and the environment.
8
2 Catalyse the green transition through tax reform and use of the MFF and Recovery Package
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2.2 Promote compliance with the `do no significant harm' principle in the use of EU Funds and ensure it is fully embedded in all Taxonomy Delegated Acts
The `do no significant harm' (DNSH) principle is at the core of the EU Taxonomy Regulation, seeking to ensure that progress towards one objective is not made at the expense of another. The application of this principle to EU Funds and the Recovery and Resilience Facility is crucial to ensure that investments carried out are not detrimental to environmental objectives.
During the Slovenian Presidency, the European Commission will assess the National Recovery and Resilience Plans (NRRPs). It must ensure that the DNSH principle is fully respected. It will then be up to the Council to give its final approval on the individual national plans for all Member States.
In the meantime, work will also continue on the `second round' of Delegated Acts of the EU
Taxonomy Regulation. The work of the sector teams will continue with the aim of establishing the environmental sustainability criteria for each sector.
We therefore call upon the Slovenian Presidency to:
x Ensure that the European Commission and the European Council guarantee that the DNSH principle is followed in the NRRPs of all Member States;
x Lead the Council in its decision to approve the individual Member States' plans based on the full respect of the DNSH principle;
x Make sure that the work carried out by the sector teams of the EU Taxonomy Delegated Acts intrinsically embeds the DNSH principle and yields a truly robust Taxonomy.
2.3 Lead by example in implementing the EGD in the EU Budget (MFF) Partnership Agreements (PAs) and in National Recovery and Resilience Plans (NRRPs) through targeted investments and transformative policy reform
The unprecedented amount of money available in the Next Generation EU Recovery Plan (NGEU) is a unique opportunity to put Europe on the right path for a resilient economic and social recovery which ensures environmental sustainability across the board. The funds will have to be used to enable governments to put in place measures and fiscal reforms to achieve the European Green Deal objectives of a climate-neutral, zero pollution and circular economy.
During its Presidency, Slovenia will have to lead by example by submitting and implementing a highquality, strong, and ambitious National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) and developing a Partnership Agreement that can inspire other Member States and be considered as a best practice.
We therefore call upon the Slovenian Presidency to:
x Ensure that the European Commission and the European Council apply the highest
standard when assessing the NRRPs and that the 37% climate and biodiversity spending target as well as the do no significant harm principle are fully respected, as well as the `non-regression' principle;
x Lead a debate in the Council on the need for ambitious Partnership Agreements that will make the most of EU funds in the next seven years to accelerate the green transition in those economies that are still lagging behind in the achievement of the EU's environmental and climate goals;
x Demand stronger provisions to ensure regular, structured and fair civil society participation in all decision-making processes on how public money is spent, including the implementation of NRRPs and Partnership Agreements.
x Lead by example in its own NRRP and Partnership Agreement.
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3 Address the climate emergency and promote sustainable mobility
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3.1 Lead Council negotiations on the Fit for 55 package, ensuring high ambition across the dozen initiatives with Energy Efficiency First as the guiding principle to
enable a transition to a fully renewable energy future
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+ S nur e tha thn e EUs gtegeo urther eTneer aasthacargrheetboyf 2sl0at30 anSd0w0hoofnryenperwoambaltee orerm, esrhsoostnoo eviearnatan lely Gfoesr,fandao naerrygyfi otark.nBoukebehnyddreodgweinth + dMaeinvtaeinrtohme fnoaetSuhar3rsaionlgyRgmulaatofnk Sfa eraacrmoeeswrdoa0rnkadtlsg iocegenandwacdisertseheststheeemicsaistitioonensaail nbminnoidnin-nEgTS. +Enare that threvision fhe missions
challenges we are facing is such that we cannot afford to waste time and the next decade will be
criticaltoputusontheright path. TheClimateLaw
now needs to be complemented with policy and
Rdetp 9 suo 3 to 7 regulatory tools to increase ambition across all
economic sectors. The Slovenian Presidency will
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x Promote tougher CO2 regulation on cars and vans and encourage commitments to stop fossil-fuelled transport. Strengthen new EU fleet-wide CO2 emission performance standards for new registered cars under Regulation 2019/631, - increasing the 2025 reduction target to -25% (from 15%), setting a -40% reduction target for 2027, and strengthening the 2030 target to at least -65% (up from the current target of 37.5%);
x Set an EU-wide phase-out date for the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, no later than 2035;
x Ensure that the Regulation on TransEuropean Networks for Energy Infrastructure (TEN-E) only supports Paris Agreement-compatible infrastructure. Only renewable hydrogen is aligned with the Paris Agreement, while the definition of low carbon gases is misleading and the blending of renewable gases with fossil gas must be excluded;
x Promote binding climate-neutrality roadmaps for all economic sectors to avoid trade-offs between sectors.
3.2 Demonstrate EU ambition and leadership at COP26, backed-up by demonstrable progress within the EU
The COP26, planned to take place in Glasgow on 112 November 2021, will mark an important step in the international negotiations on the climate crisis and is the first stocktake after the Paris Agreement (originally due in 2020 but postponed because of Covid-19) as State Parties are expected to put forward enhanced or updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). NDCs set out each Party's efforts to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Countries' current climate targets (NDCs) are inadequate and lead to dangerous warming of more than 3C. The EU has committed to lead the global fight against climate change, yet its own contribution of a `net 55%' greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2030 is still not consistent with the Paris Agreement which would require a 2030 target of 65% of emissions reduction. Moreover, the EU's strategy does not address emissions embedded in imported goods, materials and services, thus leaving a loophole in its domestic climate policy and failing to address imbalances and carbon and environmental dumping at global level.
The Slovenian Presidency will have a key role in making sure that the EU and its Member States
`walk the talk' and truly demonstrate ambition in the global efforts to fight climate change.
We therefore call upon the Slovenian Presidency to:
x Ensure that science-based policy making, historical responsibility, equity and environmental justice are at the core of the EU's leadership ahead and during the negotiations of the COP26;
x Push for the stepping up of global climate action as part of recovery plans across the different countries to align NDCs with the size and pace of emission cuts needed to keep global temperature rise below 1.5C;
x Promote a debate to address embedded emissions in the global trade of raw materials, resources and goods within the context of the COP26 negotiations;
x Lead a discussion to drive a radical shift in global trade policies of the World Trade Organisation to factor in climate and environmental objectives;
x Encourage a strengthened EU climate diplomacy in all relevant international fora.
3.3 Promote sustainable mobility for climate, clean air and citizens through a progressive Council position on the revision of the TEN-T Regulation, the Rail Corridor Initiative, intelligent transport systems and post-Euro 6/VI emission standards
Transport emissions are one of the major challenges to the EU's decarbonisation commitment and wider ambitions for a clean and healthy environment The Sustainable Mobility
Package now provides a major opportunity for progress.
We therefore call upon the Slovenian Presidency to:
12
x Drive a radical change in the EU's strategy to promote sustainable mobility by considering impacts on raw materials and resources, both in the EU and globally, further electrifying all forms of transport, massively promoting cycling, walking and public transport in cities and ultimately reducing the number of vehicles on the street;
x Ensure Council debate and ambition on the revision of the Regulation on the TransEuropean Transport Network (TEN-T) to accelerate public transport links to facilitate alternatives to aviation and road transport, and support policies and investments in the expansion of cycling networks across Europe;
x Support the EU 2021 Rail Corridor Initiative, including the revision of the Rail
Freight Corridor Regulation and actions to boost passenger rail;
x Develop Euro 7/VII emission standards for cars, vans, trucks and buses that prioritise improved air quality. Define a clear pathway to zero: Euro 7/VII must map out a clear pathway in 5-year intervals to ensure all new cars and vans emit zero pollution by 2035 at the latest and all new heavy-duty vehicles by 2040. Tackle all harmful emissions, including ultrafine particles, and ensure real-world compliance over the whole vehicle lifetime. Scale up the EU's ambitions on clean decarbonised shipping, in particular via both EU and International Maritime Organisation measures aimed at achieving deep cuts in emissions of ship-source black carbon, CO2 and other climate pollutants in the next 5 years.
3.4 Lead by example in the implementation of the Climate Adaptation Strategy and on the use of carbon taxation
The EU's Climate Adaptation Strategy aims to enhance the EU's and the world's capacity to adapt to and minimise the already inevitable impacts of climate change. Key elements of the strategy are the development of nature-based solutions, climate resilient water management, actions to close knowledge gaps and the financing of climate adaptation.
We therefore call upon the Slovenian Presidency to:
x Lead by example in implementing ecosystem-based adaptation in line with the priorities of the EU Adaptation Strategy;
x Lead by example by increasing the national carbon tax so that it has a more significant incentive impacts and make use of revenues for decarbonisation and progressive social measures to avoid fuel poverty and inequalities.
13
4 Reverse the dramatic loss of biodiversity and invest in the resilience of our ecosystems
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4.1 Continue to demonstrate EU leadership for an ambitious post 2020 Global
Biodiversity Framework, backed up by progress at home
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x Lead by example and promote closer-tonature forest management focused on the protection and restoration of biodiversity in Slovenia.
4.3 Step up EU action to tackle the drivers of pollinators decline
European wild-insect pollinators have dramatically declined in occurrence and diversity across the EU with many species on the verge of extinction. The loss of wild pollinators is a serious cause for concern as around 80% of crop and wild-flowering plant species in the EU depend, at least in part, on animal pollination. Without pollinators, many plant species would decline and eventually disappear. Around 3.7 billion of the EU's annual agricultural output is directly dependent on insect pollinators. The European Commission has committed to enhance the EU Pollinators Initiative.
We therefore call upon the Slovenian Presidency to:
x Use the deliberations in the Agriculture Council on pollinators to strengthen the policy responses to better tackle the drivers of pollinator decline such as pesticide use or light pollution and ensure that pollinators are a priority in the CAP Strategic Plans across the EU.
4.4 Prepare the Council for the timely adoption of an ambitious nature restoration law in 2022
By the end of the year, the European Commission is expected to propose a new Nature Restoration Law, setting legally binding restoration targets for ecosystems important for biodiversity and climate. This new law can be a real game-changer if the targets are set at the scientifically required level, the new obligations are additional to existing legislation, and the law contains clear milestones and deadlines and provides for appropriate means of implementation.
We therefore call upon the Slovenian Presidency to:
x Prepare the Council for the timely adoption of a strong, adequate and ambitious
Nature Restoration Law in 2022 through exchanges of views, debates and by getting Member States on the same page regarding what is needed to restore nature in the EU and to create synergies between climate mitigation, adaptation and biodiversity objectives;
x Demand for 15% of the EU's land and sea to be restored to high quality nature as well as for 15% of EU rivers to be restored into freeflowing state by 2030;
x Call for the clear additionality of the new law to existing obligations under e.g. the Nature Directives or the Water Framework Directive.
4.5 Safeguard freshwater ecosystems and clean water for all
2021 is an important year for our rivers, lakes and groundwater as governments across the EU are consulting and finalising the 3rd River Basin Management Plans to finally meet the objectives of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) by 2027. However, according to an NGO assessment only two out of the 13 river basins - both in Finland - might see rivers and lakes brought back to good health by 2027 based on the analysed draft plans. Most of the plans suffer from a lack of national budget allocated to sustainable water
management, insufficient integration of water protection into other policies - in particular, energy, agriculture and infrastructure - and the misuse of exemptions from the WFD objectives. Slovenia is yet to publish its draft plans for consultation and indicated a shorter timespan for consultation than the legally required 6 months.
15
We therefore call upon the Slovenian Presidency to:
x Use the Presidency term to move from being a laggard to a champion and adopt ambitious River Basin Management Plans that will bring all rivers, lakes and groundwater aquifers back to ecological health by 2027;
x Improve transboundary cooperation and integration of the objectives to protect and enhance the health of freshwater ecosystems into other sectoral policies, notably on agriculture, energy, industry, chemicals and transport policies, to reduce pressures from those sectors;
x Ensure a joined-up restoration and protection agenda in the implementation of the EU Biodiversity Strategy and the Water Framework and Floods Directives, integrating nature-based solutions and barrier removal to restore free-flowing rivers;
x Discourage the construction of new hydropower dams given their negative biodiversity impacts, including in the six EU Eastern Partnership countries.
4.6 Promote thriving marine and coastal ecosystems
Our oceans are crucial to support life on Earth. We need marine and coastal ecosystems to be rich in fauna, flora and genetic biodiversity so that they can perform their natural functions and support life by, inter alia, acting as vital carbon sinks, regulating weather patterns and providing oxygen. Major longstanding commitments to safeguard the oceans have not been implemented.
We therefore call upon the Slovenian Presidency to:
x Ensure the full integration of marine ecosystems in the follow-up to and implementation of the Biodiversity Strategy, especially on protected areas and on banning destructive human activities, in all Marine Protected Areas (MPAs);
x Lead the negotiations of a Council reaction to the Commission's action plan to conserve fisheries resources and protect marine ecosystems that calls for systematic ecosystem impact assessments of all fishing activities, the elimination of bycatch of sensitive species, a reduction and ultimately ban of the most destructive fishing gear, in particular bottom-trawling, in MPAs, and the establishment of no-take zones in areas where vulnerable marine ecosystems are known or likely to occur.
x Ensure that all Total Allowable Catches (TACs) set for 2022 follow scientific advice, meet the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy and the ambition of the European Green Deal;
x Drastically improve the control of fishing activities by securing a strong revised EU Fisheries Control Regulation in trilogue negotiations through, inter alia, mandatory remote electronic monitoring for all fleets and enhanced transparency of our seafood supply chains;
x Push for the adoption of an ambitious Global Ocean Treaty to protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction worldwide at the 4th session of the Intergovernmental Conference on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction;
x Establish a moratorium on deep seabed mining in EU territorial waters, stop financial support to deep seabed mining technology research and agree an EU position on stopping deep seabed mining for the negotiations at the International Seabed Authority.
16
5 Initiate a rapid transition towards sustainable food and agriculture
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5.1 Promote a sustainable food system that is aligned with the Farm to Fork and
Biodiversity Strategies
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5.3 Lead by example through a climate- and nature-friendly CAP strategic plan
While the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) that was initiated in June 2018 has been concluded under the Portuguese Presidency, the Slovenian Presidency will play a key role in the implementing procedure to adopt delegated and implementing acts. Civil society and scientific experts have strongly criticised the outcome of this reform which largely maintains the status quo on how EU farm subsidies will be spent and resits the EU Green Deal. The ball is now in the court of Member States as they prepare their respective national CAP Strategic Plans.
We therefore call upon the Slovenian Presidency to:
x Work closely with the European Commission and environment and climate ministers, also in consultation with civil society, to ambitiously implement the Farm to Fork Strategy in national CAP Strategic Plans;
x Ensure a race to the top between Member States on environmental and climate ambitions of national CAP Strategic Plans rather than a race to the bottom;
x Commit to high transparency by publishing meeting calendars and agendas before meetings, as well as conclusions of meetings, including in the implementing procedure to adopt delegated and implementing acts;
x Lead by example by proposing an ambitious Slovenian CAP Strategic Plan aligned with the Farm to Fork Strategy and engage in constructive dialogue with environmental stakeholders in the preparatory process.
18
6 Promote a zero pollution ambition -- clean water and clean air for all
2
6.1 Adopt Council Conclusions on the Zero Pollution Action Plan for Water, Air
and Soil
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x Lead the positioning of Member States on the revision of the Ambient Air Quality Directives which must be ambitious, fully reflect the science and free of loopholes or flexibility mechanisms;
x Publicly support and call on the European Commission to fully align EU air quality standards with the upcoming WHO Air Quality Guidelines.
6.3 Work with the European Commission to revise the lists of pollutants affecting surface and groundwater
The fitness check evaluation of the EU water policy highlighted that the Water Framework Directive and its daughter Directives on priority substances and groundwater as well as Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive are not sufficiently addressing a number of pollutants of emerging concern, such as pharmaceuticals, (micro)plastics and PFAS. As part of the Zero Pollution Action Plan, the European Commission is currently undertaking an impact assessment of revising the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, the Environmental Quality Standards Directive and the Groundwater Directive.
We therefore call upon the Slovenian Presidency to:
x Work with the European Commission and prepare the Council for the upcoming revisions of the legislation to better tackle water pollution including by substances of emerging concern such as pharmaceuticals, (micro)plastics and PFAS to ensure the adequate protection of freshwater ecosystems.
6.4 Reduce air pollution at source, including from agriculture and domestic heating, and promote bold action against air pollution at the international level through the revision of the Gothenburg Protocol
Agriculture and domestic heating remain two very relevant sources of air pollution needing attention and strong action. The role of source policies is key to determine a swift reduction in air pollution. The European Commission has recently launched two initiatives (Clean Air Tech Hub and an expert group for Member State representatives focusing on methane emissions from agriculture) which should contribute to increasing ambition towards reducing pollution from domestic heating and agriculture.
In parallel, action is also needed to promote the definition of international instruments which will help Member States in their fight against air pollution which is transboundary by nature.
We therefore call on the Slovenian Presidency to:
x Demand that the revised Renewable Energy Directive establishes additional
sustainability criteria which also take the contribution of biomass burning to air pollution into account;
x Promote meaningful initiatives to reduce methane and ammonia emissions from agriculture and air pollution from domestic heating, including through European Commission meetings on these subjects and in related expert groups;
x Guide Member States in their work for the ongoing review of the Gothenburg Protocol to the UNECE Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution Convention, ensuring that the need for a revised Protocol that includes reduction targets for methane, black carbon and mercury emissions, in addition to stricter reduction targets for pollutants that are already covered, is recognised as a priority.
20
7 Drive a Circular Economy and prevent waste
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7.1 Finalise an ambitious Council position on the Batteries Law revision
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2
x Implement the Basel amendments on plastic waste export also within the EU and address the legal loophole linked to the export for dismantling of vessels containing hazardous substances;
x Ensure that the digitalization of the waste shipment system at EU and national level also contributes to increased transparency, publicity and enforcement of the transboundary movement of waste.
22
8 Shift towards a zero-pollution industry
i
8.1 Lead discussions in the Council towards an ambitious reform of the Industrial
Emissions Directive that fully reflects the zero pollution, climate and circular
`economy ambitions
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`quality, emissions, chemicals and liability.
bs `comanmdaconntrdol approaches, such as a
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8.2 Improve access and usability of environmental information for the purpose of
compliance promotion and benchmarking.
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8.3 Protect water through stronger policy coherence to address pollution at source
The EU's water bodies are in bad shape and the good chemical and ecological status seems out of reach. Under the Slovenian Presidency, we expect the Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) Directive, Groundwater Directive and Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWTD) to be under review and Member States will have to detail actions within the 3rd phase of their River Basin Management Plans. These environmental issues need a coherent EU response.
We therefore call upon the Slovenian Presidency to:
x Reinforce the link with water quality work through the upcoming review, the setting of water toxicity standards and upstream pollution prevention standards via Best
Available Technique Reference Documents (BREFs);
x Systematically address the water-energymines nexus as a transboundary issue and stop abusive derogations (e.g. mining activities);
x Update the list of relevant pollutants;
x Ensure that the IED supports the implementation of the Water Framework Directive by eliminating emissions of priority hazardous substances, ending dilution of waste streams and avoiding loopholes through indirect discharge;
x Demand mandatory reporting on effluent characterisation and BAT on water use intensities.
8.4 Drive the industrial transformation through the internalisation of damage costs, by holding polluters accountable and by redirecting public support schemes
Europe needs to phase-out coal by 2030, move away from gas by 2035 at the latest (see European Civil Society Gas Manifesto) and achieve a deeper decarbonisation of energy intensive industries. One of the reasons for why this is not happening at the desired pace is the failure to provide for proper external cost internalisation. Air pollution is currently for free, the carbon debt is not fully recovered through current EU ETS pricing and other environmental impacts such as water and resource use are not accounted for.
We therefore call upon the Slovenian Presidency to:
x Ensure cost recovery via the Water Framework Directive (water abstraction), carbon pricing reflecting real damage (e.g. central estimate of 283/tCO2eq), and cost
calculations for premature deaths due to air pollution;
x Initiate a review of the Environmental Liability Directive to remediate shortcomings on the definition of environmental damage and to extend liability to all effects of activities causing harm, irrespective of a permit defence;
x Ensure that EU state aid rules (e.g. the Climate, Energy and Environmental Aid Guidelines) and the use of EU funds are conditional upon the delivery of the EGD objectives and promote deep industrial transformation in accordance with the Union's Treaty obligation to integrate environmental protection requirements into all its policies.
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9 Support a toxic-free environment
4
and the ambitious implementation of the
Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability
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9.2 Promote strengthened and more protective chemicals regulation in the EU
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Sustainabilty (CSS). The upcoming six months
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9.3 Promote EU leadership in strengthening the Minamata Convention on Mercury
and advance and strengthen the EU Mercury Regulation and its implementation
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A key priority is to ensure that countries ratify and implement the Convention as quickly as possible. At the same time, activities to enable mercury reduction as well as capacity building to assist enforcement are needed, including targeting mercury trade and supply, phasing out mercury from products and processes, emissions reduction and the development and implementation of Artisanal and Small Scale Gold-Mining (ASGM) National Action Plans.
At EU level, the process towards reviewing the EU Mercury Regulation has started, and revised legislation is expected by the end of 2022. Furthermore, developments are expected towards the long-awaited phase out of mercury-added lamps under the Restriction on Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive.
We therefore call upon the Slovenian Presidency to:
x Ensure that a decision to phase out mercury in fluorescent lamps is adopted under the
RoHS Directive as soon as possible and with a minimum transition period; to avoid double standards, such banned lamps should no longer be exported;
x Ensure that preparations for the EU Mercury Regulation review are wide enough to address and eventually drastically reduce remaining mercury uses, emissions and exposure in the EU;
x Ensure EU leadership in the Minamata Convention process to allow for meaningful effectiveness evaluation, reporting and continuation of the work towards strengthening the Convention. Additionally, the EU should further drive and prepare the process by supporting amendments to phase out more mercury-added products and processes, including fluorescent lamps, button cells, dental amalgam for vulnerable population, polyurethanes and others.
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10 Promote solidarity, we lbeing,
id
social and environmental justice, and
accountability
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10.1 Ensure that the EU fully complies with the Aarhus Convention by the 7*
Meeting of the Parties (MoP-7, October 2021) and demonstrate the Council's
commitment to wide access to justice at EU level
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10.2 Lead the Council in the first discussions towards an ambitious revised
Environmental Crime Directive
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2
between the authorities in the Member States, make it crucial that the Council takes a strong stance for clearer, more robust and deeper harmonisation of EU rules to combat environmental crime.
We therefore call upon the Slovenian Presidency to:
x Push for a forward-looking stance on the amendment of the ECD, so that it is truly strengthened, can be clearly applied, and rendered more efficient at combating environmental crimes in the EU. This should be done by changing how the current annexes are applied and by expanding the scope of what constitutes an environmental crime;
x Include clearer definitions in the ECD, so that the Directive can be applied in a uniform way in all Member States and clearly sets out
what is meant by the terms used, e.g. what 'substantial damage' is in the context of a crime and how sanctions should be awarded so that they are effective, proportionate and dissuasive;
x Support and promote measures that render the Environmental Crime Directive more effective at determining and enforcing environmental crimes, as well as any accompanying initiative that will help harmonise environmental criminal rules so as to eliminate loopholes, including by, inter alia, increasing the exchange of information, adding investigation tools, and developing guidelines. Guidelines should not be proposed instead of legal requirements and definitions, but should only facilitate the uniform and harmonised implementation of the Directive.
10.3 Promote wellbeing and social justice across the EU - by integrating social concerns in the 8EAP, in the Reform of the European Semester, and in EGD policies
The policy agenda set in the emergency and recovery phase this year will have profound socioeconomic effects, determining the shape of our economy long after the pandemic is over. Policies, therefore, need to be consistent with the Green Deal and a socially just transition, and build up a wellbeing economy that works for people and planet. Large-scale, well-designed investments are needed over the long run. However, a broader understanding of the green transition is urgently needed. It is not only about investing in energy and transport infrastructure, sectors that are historically male-dominated and that can have impacts on those living in the vicinity of these projects. Just as much attention and treatment should be given to low-carbon care and service jobs. This Presidency has the opportunity to advance the creation of an economy that is green, gender and socially just, one that contributes to the wellbeing of all and leaves no one behind.
We therefore call upon the Slovenian Presidency to:
x Engage in discussions involving the rights of local communities, paying particular attention to Sami and rural communities, who are at risk of facing the biggest brunt of the energy transition in terms of mining primary sources of materials and increased renewable energy projects;
x Advance the EU Governance Review, which will review the EU's main fiscal framework, the Stability and Growth Pact and subsequent fiscal legislation, that has been delayed due to the pandemic, fundamentally reforming the fiscal framework in such a way that it puts environmental and social goals, including gender justice, at the heart of the EU's economic governance;
x Advance the EU Semester reform and integrate the SDGs at the core of the European Semester with headline indicators based on the Goals (see Test #2);
x Initiate and advance discussions on the importance of acknowledging the interlinkages of environmental policies and gender and social justice by creating awareness and facilitating debates;
x Promote and ensure better coherence and
synergies of the National Roma Strategic Frameworks with the National Recovery and Resilience Plans and the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) Programmes;
x Increase awareness on mitigating the
social and economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Roma and Traveller communities through tackling their unequal
28
access to environmental services, (digital) education, residential, spatial and environmental segregation, unemployment,
poverty and social exclusion in line with the aims of the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the European Pillar of Social Rights.
10.4 Promote effective and enforceable rules on corporate accountability so that those entities contributing to human rights abuses and environmental harm are held liable
The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, adopted in 2011, state that companies have a responsibility to respect human rights, including through `Human Rights Due Diligence'. A proliferation of voluntary measures by businesses now exists but, as these are not mandatory and enforceable, the vast majority of companies still do not undergo any environmental and human rights due diligence. In recent years, a number of EU Member States have developed national rules regarding due diligence that companies must take, the most recent example being Germany with the passing of the Supply Chain Act in June 2021. However, in the context of the single market, EU-wide legislation that covers all sectors is crucial to ensure a level playing field for businesses.
The Commission will propose a new law on Sustainable Corporate Governance (SCG). Strong corporate and supply chain rules are a clear necessity for achieving the goals in the EGD and it will be an opportunity for the EU to show leadership in demanding that companies act responsibly to protect people and planet as part of their business model.
We therefore call upon the Slovenian Presidency to:
x Ensure that the proposed legislation on Sustainable Corporate Governance contains both obligations to carry out environmental and human rights due diligence for companies operating in the EU
as well as corporate governance rules for inclusive long-term decision-making;
x Support and promote the inclusion of provisions that will hold companies liable for not carrying out environmental and human rights due diligence, making sure that this requirement is mandatory and enforceable. This is crucial for full accountability so that victims and affected communities can access justice and seek remedies. The law should also envisage how to bind companies in the supply chain so that harm and abuse are not embedded in the business model;
x Demand and work towards coherence and stronger ambition with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (currently known as the Non-Financial Reporting Directive) and other initiatives led by the Commission that are related to the SCG and ongoing, as for example, the Textiles Strategy;
x Adopt a strong and ambitious negotiating position for the UN Legally Binding Instrument (LBI) on business and human rights, ensuring that victims and affected communities have access to redress and that companies are held accountable for their violations in international law, which will reinforce the EU's leadership role internationally on corporate accountability.
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10.5 Promote civil society space and meaningful participation, including of youth
Engagement of civil society in environmental decision-making is crucial to ensure democratic legitimacy, accountability, social acceptability and effectiveness. The Slovenian Presidency has a key opportunity to engage with civil society and should also take steps to improve civil society space more broadly.
We therefore call upon the Slovenian Presidency to:
x Support the introduction of new EU antiSLAPP (Strategic Litigation against Public Participation) legislation on which a Commission proposal is expected before the end of 2021 and take on board the calls from the European Parliament in their 2021/2036(INI) report on the subject;
x Urgently increase the consultation with and participation of all segments of society, in particular youth, women and those groups that have shown to be particularly vulnerable during the pandemic so as to identify and implement solutions to improve social and intergenerational justice;
x Make use of the window of opportunity around the Conference on the Future of European to support civil society engagement;
x Engage in a youth dialogue and take active steps to protect the (future) fundamental freedoms of younger generations.
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European Environmental Bureau 1R0u0e0dBersusdseeulxs,EBgleilsgeisu1m4-16 Tel 1322289 1090
eeb@eeborg
eeb.org