Brussels Agenda
Weekly preview of the Greens/EFA group - 11-15 Oct. 2010
Greens/EFA events:
- Greens/EFA study days (annual policy meeting, Mon. - Thurs.)
Other EU priorities:
- Offshore exploration - EU rules and dangers (Commission, Tues.)
- UN climate talks in Cancun and the EU position (Council, Thurs.)
- Road charging and the environment - Eurovignette (Council, Fri.)
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Greens/EFA study days
Mon. - Thurs. 11-14 Oct. - Nimes, France
The annual study days of the Greens/EFA group will take place in Nimes, France. MEPs and staff will gather to discuss the group's policy priorities for the coming years. The group will also meet with representatives of the Roma community as part of the programme.
Offshore exploration - EU rules and dangers
Tues. 12 Oct. - Commission proposal
The Commission is set to finally come forward with proposals on the safety of offshore oil and gas activities. The Greens called for a moratorium on offshore drilling following the Deepwater Horizon disaster, highlighting insufficient EU rules on safety and liability, and hope the Commission will follow suit. In addition to strengthening the insufficient rules on safety, there is also a need to address the question of liability in the case of accidents. (see press release)
UN climate talks in Cancun and the EU position
Thurs. 14 Oct. - Environment Council
EU environment ministers will consider the EU position for this year's UN climate summit Cancun at their council meeting. Key issues include the EU's commitment to a second commitment period of the Kyoto protocol, as well the ongoing debate about increasing the EU's pledged emissions reduction target for 2020 (from 20% to 30%). The Greens are concerned that continued intransigence on these issues will damage the climate talks and further diminish the EU's influence on the process.
Road charging and the environment - Eurovignette
Fri. 15 Oct. - Transport Counci
EU transport ministers are expected to reach agreement on the revision of EU rules on road charging after two years of deadlock. The legislation is supposed to ensure that road charging for heavy goods vehicles takes account of external costs, notably environmental costs, and not just road building costs. However, the Greens are concerned that the proposal will fall far short of addressing the real costs of road transport on the environment. (see press release)
