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

A Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) Ministerial Meeting on Environment and Climate Change took place in Athens, on May13. The three main topics of the meeting were: the Horizon 2020 Initiative to de-pollute the Mediterranean; climate change; and sustainable production and consumption.The ministers issued a Declaration of their commitment to tackle the growing climate and environmental challenges facing the region and boost cooperation ahead of a new legally binding UN agreement on climate change standards in 2015.

It is the first time climate change has been discussed at ministerial level within the UfM, a partnership promoting multilateral cooperation between 43 states (28 EU member-states and 15 Mediterranean countries).

On the margins of the UfM Ministerial Meeting on Environment and Climate Change in Athens (13.05), the environment ministers of Greece, Cyprus and Israel decided to promote a trilateral cooperation agreement as soon as possible, with the aim that it will be signed by June, focusing on sea hydrocarbon exploration and oil-caused pollution. The actions promoted in the trilateral agreement also focus on environmental protection, sustainable development and green economy, as well as, on sustainable consumption and production.

The agreement will reinforce cooperation between the public and private sectors, promote financing opportunities through international organisations and European programmes, combat desertification and climate change and protect biodiversity and nature.

An Informal Council Meeting of EU Environment Ministers is taking place today (14.05) at Zappeion Megaron, chaired by Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change, Yannis Maniatis, attended by EU member states, candidate and EFTA countries’ ministers. The main items of the agenda are the cross-cutting thematic area of "Blue Growth" with a focus on the marine environment and specific climate change issues.

More information: Greek EU Presidency Euro-Mediterranean cooperation for research and innovation; See also Greek News Agenda: Greece, Italy - 2014 Is the "Year of the Mediterranean"