ENVE members support Belgian EU Presidency’s engagements on Green Deal and just transition

As the EU is approaching the end of the current legislative cycle and the European elections in early June 2024, the Belgian Presidency is facing a heavy agenda with many Green Deal related dossiers. ENVE members exchanged views with a member of the cabinet of Alain Maron, who is the Minister for Climate Transition, the Environment, Energy, Public Hygiene, Social Action and Health of the Brussels region. This ministry coordinates and leads the Environment configuration on behalf of the Belgian Presidency in the Council, which highlights the strong regional focus of the Presidency.

“We are pleased to note the commitment of the Belgian Presidency to make every effort for ensuring a just transition towards a climate-neutral and resilient society. We are keen to engage with the Presidency and with all Belgian regional and local authorities to reflect on the further implementation of the European Green Deal and the future of EU environmental and climate policy. We are looking forward to discussing this at a dedicated session at the Summit of Regions and Cities in Mons on 18-19 March, and at the Belgian Presidency high-level Green Deal event on 15 March", ENVE chair and Mayor of Warsaw Rafał Trzaskowski (PL/EPP) said.

The Belgian Presidency has also asked the CoR to prepare an opinion on the role of local and regional authorities in the transition towards a circular economy. Loredana Capone (IT/PES), President of the Regional Council of Apulia, was appointed rapporteur for this opinion that will be adopted at the next ENVE meeting on 11 April.

Biodiversity protection and coexistence with large carnivores in Europe

In December, the European Commission tabled a proposal to change the international status of wolves from 'strictly protected' to 'protected'. The draft opinion adopted by ENVE Commission focuses on challenges and opportunities to manage the coexistence of large carnivores at local and regional level ensuring the conservation of the large carnivores and their habitats, and the protection of human life and economic activities. It recommends prioritizing prevention measures and flexibility allowed by EU legislation over direct changes to protection levels.

Rapporteur Csaba Borboly (RO/EPP), President of Harghita County Council, said: "We strongly support the EU large carnivore platform and call for the dissemination of its work at local and regional levels. Damages caused by large carnivores should be fully covered by the EU, with adequate resources supporting rural communities affected by increased large carnivore populations. The European Commission should assess how more targeted funding could be provided to the protection of biodiversity and co-existence with large carnivores."

Localising energy production: the role of geothermal energy

Local clean energy contributes to energy security, increases the share of renewable energy, secures affordable energy prices, and establishes a local value chain. The CoR draft opinion focuses especially on the role of geothermal energy, which is still developed very unevenly across the EU, as shown by p​resentations from European Geothermal Energy Council and REScoop.

Rapporteur József Ribányi (HU/ECR), Member of Tolna Megye County Council, said: "There is huge untapped potential with geothermal energy. Not only is it vital for the energy transition but it can also bolster the EU's strategic autonomy, contribute to reaching climate targets and secure affordable energy prices. Geothermal energy has direct benefits for local communities and economies that would benefit from an EU-wide strategy."

Towards a Global Green Deal

ENVE chair Trzaskowski and first vice-chair Kata Tüttö (HU/PES), Deputy Mayor of Budapest, presented together a key opinion entitled “Towards a Global Green Deal: harmonising global frameworks for climate change, biodiversity and sustainable development". It highlights the need to further seek alliances between the global UN agendas and the European Green Deal, putting subnational authorities at the core of a Global Green Deal.

Following the first discussion that took place today with Veronika Hunt Šafránková, Head of the UN Environment Programme Brussels Office, the opinion will be adopted at the ENVE meeting on 11 April.

Two more upcoming opinions were discussed at the ENVE meeting: one on resilient water management drafted by André Viola (FR/PES), Member of Aude Departmental Council, and the other on preventing plastic pellet losses to reduce microplastic pollution by Roberto Ciambetti (IT/ECR), President of the Veneto Regional Council.

More information: ENVE work programme for 2024