Commissioner Wallström at Informal Environment Council in Sønderborg

European Environment Commissioner Margot Wallström will participate in the Informal Environment Council in Sønderborg, Denmark this weekend. Preparations for the World Summit on Sustainable Development will be at the centre of the discussions. Mrs. Wallström will insist on the importance of maintaining environment issues prominently on the agenda.

The EUs key environmental objectives for Johannesburg include : (a) a 10 year programme for sustainable production and consumption ; (b) a halt and then reversal of the decline in biodiversity ; (c) action to deal with hazardous chemicals ; (d) a clear target and timeframe for delivering clean drinking water and sanitation to the worlds poor ; (e) a target and action to deliver increased use of renewable energy.

Mrs Wallström commented : "The latest international high-level consultations have shown broad commitment to get preparations for the World Summit moving again. This is encouraging, and we must now keep up the momentum. Johannesburg is not only about environment, but the environmental agenda is a central component in our efforts to promote global sustainable development and move from words to deeds. She added: "We must continue to push for clear targets and timeframes, to which politicians can be held accountable. And we will also need to reiterate our assurances on how we can best channel the means to achieve these objectives".

The Informal Council will explore in detail how the EU can work most efficiently in Johannesburg to meet its environmental goals.

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