Mr Van Geel said he wants to promote clean, silent and economical cars and that he sees the Presidency as a means to infuse the discussions with new vigour through stricter European standards on fine particle dust and nitrous oxides, and stimulating the use of soot filters. In addition, he said he wanted agreements to be signed with the automobile industry reducing the CO2 emissions of cars by 36%.

He plans to use the climate conference (COP 10) in December 2004 to reignite the international debate on climate policy, advocating the speedy adoption and implementation of the Kyoto Protocol. He also said he wants to involve the US in the debate once more, particularly on the subject of research and development of new technologies.

The Secretary of State has also said he wants to move the REACH negotiations forward, calling the current system of assessment and evaluation "inadequate".

In addition to these core priorities, Mr Van Geel said he wishes to reach a political settlement on mine waste, which accounts for an estimated 30% of the EU's entire waste contents, and an agreement limiting fluorinated greenhouse gas emissions.

His motto, 'The environment as opportunity', will also be the subject of the informal environmental council to be held from 16 to 18 July in Maastricht where ministers will discuss the environmental instruments and strategies needed to stimulate innovation and growth.

By David Hopkins

 

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