Back in December 2015, the EU Environment Ministers had a discussion on the National Emissions Ceilings Directive. Unfortunately they have taken a considerably weaker position than that of the European Parliament plenary in October 2015.
Some countries, notably Sweden, Belgium, the Netherlands, Finland and the Czech Republic openly criticised the lower level of ambition (but still supported the deal). But a remarkable coalition-of-the-unwilling of Austria, Denmark, Germany and Poland voted against the text, mainly in protest against proposed ammonia limits.
Following the Parliament vote, a coalition of 17 NGOs including EFA signed an open letter addressed to Environment Ministers, stressing the need to keep methane and mercury in the text, including legally binding targets, supporting greater emission reduction commitments and rejecting unnecessary flexibilities.
We will continue to monitor the process and update you on any new developments.