The Council of the EU environment ministers chaired by the Bulgarian Minister for Environment and Water, Neno Dimov, today adopted conclusions on delivering on the EU action plan for the Circular Economy. The topic was a priority of the Trio Presidencies of Estonia, Bulgaria and Austria.

In the document, the EU Member States call for the need to reconsider consumption habits and to avoid unnecessary use of plastic. The conclusions stress that all stakeholders have the responsibility to take the necessary action for change, regarding the design, use and consumption of products. Member States also welcomed the recently proposed rules aimed at curbing consumption of single-use plastics and committed themselves to working hard to turn them into laws.

Commenting on the topic, Minister Dimov said:  

„The circular economy is the greatest achievement of our time. I am very pleased that today ministers agreed for a common action to implement the EU action plan on the circular economy. We all need to reconsider how we use and consume plastic."

Also today, the Bulgarian Presidency invited ministers to speak about the new rules to further improve the quality of drinking water across the EU. The new rules were drafted following the first ever successful European citizens' initiative, а petition by citizens from across the EU that calls for the Commission to propose legislation in an area in which it has the power to do so. Today´s debate is expected to provide guidance on how to proceed with the work on the proposal.

A third discussion was held on the regulation on CO2 emission standards for cars and vans. Ministers discussed the proposed CO2 emissions reduction targets of 15% from 2025 and 30% from 2030 for new cars and vans. Ministers also analysed the proposed incentive mechanism for zero- and low-emission vehicles.  

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