Environment ministers to discuss EU Bioeconomy Strategy

The EU environment ministers will meet in Brussels on Tuesday 16 December. The ministers will exchange views on the new EU Bioeconomy Strategy published by the Commission on 27 November. The agenda also includes conclusions on the EU’s 8th environment action programme. Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala will represent Finland at the meeting.

The EU’s new Bioeconomy Strategy provides a framework for the development and use of bio-based solutions as part of the green transition in the EU. In the strategy the bioeconomy is closely linked to the principles of the circular economy. The aim is to boost both the sustainable use of natural resources and the competitiveness of industry. High-value applications are sought for side-streams, bio-waste and bio-based materials.

“The strategy is well in line with the aim to strengthen the EU’s competitiveness and resilience and to phase out fossil fuels. Finland’s systematic efforts to influence the process can be seen in the outcome,” Minister Multala says.

The ministers are also expected to approve conclusions on the EU’s 8th environment action programme. Adequate progress towards the targets has not been made, and the state of nature is still weak. In the conclusions the Council supports the Commission’s plans to introduce a framework for the management of climate resilience and climate risks that will strengthen the Member States’ preparedness for changing climate and integrate the requirements related to climate resilience into all polities.

With respect to the transition to a circular economy, the Council considers it important to formulate a common long-term vision for the EU on the transition and that the Commission will give a legislative proposal on a circular economy next autumn. The conclusions stress the need to create a well-functioning internal market for recycled materials, strengthen the harmonisation of producer responsibility and ensure that all operators, including those coming from outside the EU, comply with the same environmental and product safety requirements.

Inquiries:

EU Bioeconomy Strategy:
Ulla Palander
Senior Specialist
tel. +358 295 049 235
[email protected]

EU’s 8th environment action programme:
Taina Nikula
Senior Ministerial Adviser
tel. +358 295 250 202
[email protected]

Lyydia Ylönen
Special Adviser to Minister Multala 
tel. +358 50 476 1341
[email protected]