The Malta Independent on Sunday
Malta supports EU’s proposals on reducing EU air emissions
When taking part in the last European Environment Ministerial Council under the Greek Presidency held in Luxembourg, the Minister for Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Change, Leo Brincat, stated that Malta supports a new strategic direction proposed by the European Union on the reduction of air emissions. The minister explained that the Maltese government was taking this position because it believes in better environmental health leading to improved air quality.
In a statement government explained that the goals still need to be clarified, to which end Malta is keen on more technical discussions, and will be working constructively to agree ambitious targets that are proportionate and achievable. The minister stressed that any action on emissions in the maritime sector need to be taken globally, because this sector is regulated at both European and international levels.
Regarding the framework proposed by the European Union, on climate change and energy, the minister said that apart from the fact that by 2020 the country will have its demand met by highly efficient electricity generators, the move from Heavy Fuel Oil to natural gas will lead to lower greenhouse gas emissions per unit of energy produced.
The minister reiterated that Malta is a small island with limited economies of scale, and so, in order to achieve these goals, the country must ensure that the necessary investments are made in these sectors through mechanisms of co-financing from European funding programmes.
Furthermore the minister then explained that while Malta has always been cautious in the use of GMOs, reflecting public concerns regarding the associated risks to human health and the environment, the actual text of the Presidency being developed moves in the right direction, offering member states the option of implementing their own strong and rigid processes for the authorisation of their cultivation.The minister said that the country looks forward to further discussions with the European Parliament leading to further refinement of the legal text.