Environment Council, 05/03/2019, 5 March 2019

Main results

EU climate strategy for 2050

Environment ministers held a policy debate on the EU's long-term strategic vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate neutral economy, based on different scenarios for achieving long-term greenhouse gas emission reductions by 2050 in line with the Paris Agreement.

Today we discussed the importance of developing together a long-term strategy for greenhouse gas emission reductions for the EU. As we look towards 2050, we know that we need to provide the necessary incentives for this transformation, and we will have to make sure that we take into account regional specificities and different socio-economic circumstances. Further reducing our greenhouse gas emissions will be challenging, but it also holds great opportunities for our economies and citizens. Graţiela Leocadia Gavrilescu, Romanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Environment

Drinking water

Ministers reached an agreement on the proposed update to the drinking water directive. They agreed on the Council's position on the text which provided for stricter rules for tap water, including a new procedure which sets hygienic requirements for materials in contact with tap water such as pipes. The aim is to improve the quality of such materials to ensure that human health is protected and no contamination takes place.

Greening the European Semester

Ministers had the opportunity to exchange views on the European Semester process. They discussed the importance of promoting sustainable investments and ensuring that these bring social benefits to EU citizens. Ministers also discussed which environmental and administrative reforms could best enable the transition towards a greener economy.

Endocrine disruptors

The Council had a policy debate on endocrine disruptors. Ministers exchanged views on what could be the best approach to develop a coherent EU framework on endocrine disruptors. Ministers highlighted the growing public concern about substances with endocrine disrupting properties, which have an impact on the environment and are linked to human health problems.