Environment Council, 28/02/2017, 28 February 2017

Main results

Emissions trading system

The Council agreed its negotiating position for the review of the emission trading system (ETS). The ETS is one of the main tools to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The review will contribute to the EU's goal of reducing its emissions by at least 40% by 2030, as committed under the Paris Agreement on climate change.

"This is important for us, for our planet and for future generations. The Paris Agreement was a landmark achievement, but we need to put words into action. A better functioning ETS will reduce emissions further. The EU is delivering on its promises, because it cares about a better future for all."

Jose A. Herrera, Minister for the Environment of Malta and President of the Council

• Reform of the EU emissions trading scheme

Sustainable development

Ministers also discussed how to put the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development into practice, focusing  in particular on what it means for the EU's environmental policy. They addressed, for instance, how to better involve citizens and the private sector.  This discussion will feed into the preparations of Council conclusions in June.

'Greening' of the European Semester - Environmental implementation review

In the context of the European Semester process, they exchanged views on the 2017 annual growth survey and the role of sustainable development and environment. They also discussed the environmental implementation review, a new tool to address implementation gaps on environmental legislation and policy.