Talks on EU Emission Ceiling Directive hit impasse

The environmental lawyers group ClientEarth has accused the UK government of “torpedoing” talks on the National Emission Ceiling Directive, which is currently being negotiated by European ministers and MEPs.

The Directive is aimed at reducing certain pollutants across EU member states by 2025. The legislation aims to set reduction targets for each EU member state to tackle pollutants including ammonia and particulate matter (PM2.5).

The European Commission is hopeful of an agreement on the National Emissions Ceiling Directive

Talks on changes to the Directive have so far failed to reach an agreement, following discussion amongst ministers from EU nations this week. The next opportunity to reach an agreement could be on 20 June when environment ministers meet again in Brussels.

AirQualityNews understands  EU ministers will continue to negotiate for a possible 48 per cent total emissions reduction target for each member state by 2025.

ClientEarth lawyer Alan Andrews said: “This is a betrayal of the millions of people across Britain and the rest of Europe, who are forced to breathe deadly air pollution.

“There was a deal on the table, which would have halved the number of people killed by air pollution, but national governments, including the UK, chose to scupper it by refusing to move an inch from their position.”

Countries

ClientEarth says countries including the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Poland are responsible for no agreement being reached.

A spokesman for Labour’s environment spokesman Seb Dance MEP, who has campaigned for improvements in air quality, said: “The talks are at an impasse. There is a problem with the 2025 target and the EU council is refusing to budge on the 48% emissions target.”

An EU Commission spokeswoman confirmed the talks have hit a sticking point.

She said: “The Commission takes note that Wednesday (8 June) trilogue on the National Emission Ceiling Directive did not reach an agreement.

“We trust that the co-legislators will come to an agreement as soon as possible.”