The EU has some of the world's highest environmental standards. The developments on climate change and the challenges on energy issues, especially during the last decade, require access to and sustainable use of resources without causing environmental problems. The EU’s environmental policy has thus emerged as a vital area of EU governance. Presently, the main pillars of the EU Environmental policy refer to the protection of Europe’s natural capital and the promotion of green business and economy, as well as the safeguarding of people’s health and wellbeing.

The environment is at the heart of the Greek Presidency, and is in the spotlight this week (12 – 16.05), as a series of meetings is taking place in Athens and Brussels.

Environment Ministers and Government representatives from Member states will gather on 14 May for the Informal Environment Council. Discussions will focus on marine environment as the basis for sustainable Blue Growth and on Climate Change. The Blue Growth initiative aims to develop the maritime dimension of the Europe 2020 strategy.

Also on the environment agenda is the 2030 Climate and Energy framework, which aims at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% and increasing the share of renewable energy to at least 27%.