The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (Amber Rudd)

I attended the EU Environment Council in Brussels on 18 September. Dr Aileen McLeod, Scottish Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform also attended.

Following the final formal agreement on the market stability reserve for the EU emissions trading system (which was an “A” item and therefore took place without the need for discussion), Ministers adopted reparations for the 21st session of the conference of the parties (COP 21) to the United Nations framework convention on climate change (UNFCCC). These were agreed relatively swiftly following effective chairing from the Luxembourg presidency.

Ministers’ discussion focused on the issues of a long-term goal for global decarbonisation, a mechanism of five-yearly reviews for increasing the ambition of the agreement over time and climate finance. Some member states sought more ambitious language regarding these issues; however, others called for the conclusions to reflect domestic pressures on various delegations.

On adoption of the conclusions, the Commission tabled a declaration questioning the legal accuracy of a reference in the conclusions to the Council’s intention for member states to “jointly fulfil” the “at least 40%” target for emissions reductions and claiming that the Union has exclusive competence to undertake international obligations regarding climate mitigation. Some member state, including the UK, noted that they would table counter statements disagreeing with the Commission’s view of the legal situation, and have subsequently done so.

Over lunch, Ministers had a further discussion on tactics and preparations for COP21, including on communications.

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