Environment Council, 15 June 2015

A meeting of the Environment Council took place on 15 June 2015 in Luxembourg.

Environment ministers of European Union's member states held a policy debate on the proposed directive on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants. The directive is part of the EU's 'clean air programme' which aims to improve air quality standards across the EU. Trialogue negotiations between the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union started in May 2015.

The Council also took a look at the state of play of negotiations on climate change under the UNFCCC. In particular, they will take note of the recent Conference of the Parties (COP) meeting in Bonn.

Finally, ministers held an exchange of views on the European Commission's 'Paris Protocol' communication, which is part of the energy union package.

EurActiv, 15.06.15: Environment ministers want flexible air pollution targets http://www.euractiv.com/sections/health-consumers/environment-ministers-want-flexible-air-pollution-targets-315401

EurActiv, 12.06.15: Governments ditch EU methane limits http://www.euractiv.com/sections/agriculture-food/governments-ditch-eu-methane-limits-315333

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