2017 - Main results - Main contents

Source: Council of the European Union (Council) i, published on Saturday, October 14 2017, 1:10.

Main results

Non ETS sectors: Effort-sharing and LULUCF

The Council agreed its negotiating positions on the effort-sharing regulation and the regulation on land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF). These pieces of legislation will cut greenhouse gas emissions in sectors falling outside the scope of the EU emissions trading system (EU ETS).

These legislations will allow the EU to move closer to achieving its overall goal of reducing emissions by at least 40% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, and thus to meeting its commitments under the Paris Agreement on climate change. Non-ETS sectors will specifically contribute to that target through a reduction in emissions of 30% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.

"These two regulations will allow the EU to cut emissions in all effort sharing sectors and ensure its lands and forests are better managed. As a result, we will build a climate-friendly future for all of us and achieve our Paris climate goals. I welcome member states' efforts today and we are ready to begin negotiations with the Parliament."

Siim Kiisler, Minister for the Environment of the Republic of Estonia

COP23 UN Climate conference

The Council adopted conclusions on the Paris Agreement and in preparation for the 23rd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP23) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which will take place from 6-17 November 2017 in Bonn.

The EU is determined to remain at the forefront of global efforts to combat climate change.. Environment ministers expressed full support to these conclusions and underlined the importance of making substantial progress on the implementation of the Paris Agreement (Paris work programme), the preparations for the Facilitative Dialogue 2018 and the implementation of nationally-determined contributions (NDCs) at national level.

Ministers also welcomed the Council conclusions adopted on climate finance on 10 October. The EU and its member states reaffirmed their full commitment to contributing to the collective developed countries' goal of jointly mobilising USD 100 billion per year by 2020 through to 2025.

Council conclusions on the Paris Agreement and preparations for the UNFCCC meetings

Council conclusions on climate finance

Timeline - Paris Agreement

UN Environment Assembly

The Council adopted conclusions on the EU's priorities for the 3rd meeting of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-3), that will be held from 4-6 December 2017 in Nairobi under the overarching theme of pollution.

These conclusions give a strong sign of the EUs commitment to protecting our environment and reducing the impact from pollution on our planet.

Ministers will actively contribute to a number of resolutions and voluntary pledges with a view to take further action to tackle pollution in its different forms.

During a working lunch, ministers had a fruitful exchange of views with the United Nations Environment Programme Executive Director, Erik Solheim, in preparation for the assembly. They identified areas for concrete action against pollution at national and EU levels.

Council conclusions on the European Union priorities for the third meeting of the United Nations Environment Assembly

Meeting information

Meeting n°3565

Luxembourg

13/10/2017

Preparatory documents

Indicative programme - Environment Council of 13 October 2017

Provisional agenda, Environment Council, 13 October 2017

Background brief

Outcome documents

Outcome of the Council meeting

List of participants