Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Dr. Maria Panayiotou, is in Brussels for the extraordinary meeting of the EU Environment Ministers, which aims to reach an agreement on the new European Climate Law for 2040, in view of the upcoming UN Climate Conference COP30 to be held in Belém, Brazil.
The Minister expressed Cyprus’ support for the compromise text proposed by the Danish Presidency, underlining the need for joint European action in tackling the climate crisis. “An extraordinary Environment Council is taking place today, at a very critical moment for Europe and for its citizens,” Panayiotou stated before attending the Environment Council on 4 November, adding that the member states are called upon “to agree on the compromise text of the general approach submitted by the Presidency, concerning the Climate Law for 2040.”
The Minister stressed that the new Climate Law will define “the steps we will take to achieve our goals and to effectively address the impacts of the climate crisis,” emphasizing that “Cyprus is experiencing these impacts to the highest degree, both through prolonged drought and extremely high temperatures.”
Referring to Nicosia’s position, Dr. Panayiotou clarified that “Cyprus naturally supports the text. It is a document to which elements we have requested have been added, such as the recognition of the specific characteristics of island states, and the problems caused by wildfires, which we Mediterranean countries experience particularly intensely, as we are situated in a climate hot spot.”
She also made special reference to “the need to ensure competitiveness and strengthen food security,” as key prerequisites for a fair and realistic green transition.
In conclusion, the Minister expressed the hope for a positive outcome of the deliberations. “What we hope for, what we look forward to, is to reach a positive conclusion on this text today and to agree on the general approach for the 2040 conclusions” she said.
(Source: CNA)
