Environment Council, 09/10/2018 - Main results - Main contents
Main results
Stricter CO2 limits and better emissions testing to help on the way to cleaner cars
Live streaming
9 October 2018
09:40 Public session
15:45 Public session
17:00 Public session
18:45 Press conference
Estimated schedule
CO2 emission standards for cars and vans
Meeting in Luxembourg on 9 October, environment ministers succeeded in reaching an agreement on the proposed regulation on CO2 standards for cars and vans (recast). They agreed on the Council position on the text and set new targets for stricter CO2 emission standards.
By 2030, new cars will emit on average 35% less CO2 compared to the current emission standard limits. The agreement which we reached today is a solid basis on which to begin talks with the European Parliament.
Elisabeth Köstinger, Austrian federal minister of sustainability and tourism
Infographic: Cutting CO2 road transport emissions
Climate change and COP24
The Council adopted conclusions on climate change as part of the preparations for the UN Convention on Climate Change conference in Katowice in December (COP24). The conclusions aim at giving a strong political signal and narrative on the EU level of ambition in climate action. Ministers underlined that in order to achieve the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement all countries must enhance mitigation action in coherence with, among others, sustainable development and the protection of biodiversity. At COP24, the EU will urge all parties to accelerate preparations for the implementation of their respective nationally determined contributions.
Biodiversity
Environment ministers adopted conclusions on biodiversity. The conclusions contain the main elements of the EU position in view of the COP14 of the Convention on Biological Diversity which will be held in Egypt in November. The conclusions also cover the Cartagena Protocol on biosafety and the Nagoya Protocol on access and benefit sharing. Ministers expressed their deep concern that the natural resource base and ecosystem services that humanity depends upon are at high risk and that most pressures driving biodiversity loss continue to increase.
CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles
In the afternoon, the Council held a live streamed policy debate on the EU's first ever regulation on CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles. Ministers discussed the proposed CO2 emissions reduction targets for new trucks, buses and lorries. Ministers had an opportunity to express their views on the Commission proposal and discuss how to make progress towards reaching a common position.
Other topics on the agenda
In a public session, the Council had the opportunity to hear a presentation by the Presidency on the directive on single-use plastics.
Meeting information
Meeting n°3640
Luxembourg
09/10/2018
Preparatory documents
Provisional agenda, Environment Council, 9 October 2018
List of A items, legislative deliberations, Environment Council, 9 October 2018
List of A items, non-legislative activities, Environment Council, 9 October 2018
Outcome documents
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