Hongaars voorzitterschap wil verdere reductie CO2-uitstoot binnen EU (en)

At a press conference in Budapest, Péter Olajos, Deputy Secretary of State for Green Economy Development and Climate Affairs of the Ministry for National Economy said, “Green economy development may be a breakthrough point for countries in crisis, it is time to dispel the fallacy that decreasing carbon dioxide emission is a luxury of wealthy countries.

“Transition to a low-carbon economy, may create new jobs and decrease imports of natural gas and crude oil,” explained Mr Olajos, to journalists on 1 February 2011. He stressed that during its term of Presidency, Hungary sets great store by implementing the EU’s climate policy goals.

EU member states will reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent - compared with the 1990 level - by 2020. Many think that this should be raised to 30 percent. Compared with its 1987 level, Hungary has lowered its carbon dioxide emission by 36 percent. However, calculations suggest that there is ample room for further reductions, especially with the modernization of transport and the thermal insulation of buildings.

Based on a recent study on the effects of climate protection by Ecofys, an international research institute, even investments in a 30 percent reduction of carbon dioxide emission would greatly benefit the Hungarian economy.

Presidency objectives

The Hungarian Presidency seeks to keep the possibility of a 30 percent emission reduction on the agenda, and for member states to consider the advantages and disadvantages of a further reduction, subject to the required impact assessments. Mr Olajos noted that Hungary hopes for a major advance in the EU’s climate policy objectives, at the international climate protection summits. While holding the Presidency, Hungary is responsible for managing member state negotiations and for representing the EU, at the UN plenary meetings on climate affairs.

Climate agenda

On 8 March 2011, the Commission will publish its roadmap for the transition to a low-carbon economy by 2050. In addition to several working groups, and other high-level meetings, the Council and ministers will also discuss this report during informal meetings. Since the debate on the Commission report may last for a year, the Hungarian Presidency’s primary task, is to keep the debate transparent and ensure its progress.

On the possible introduction of the “EU carbon tax”, Péter Olajos said, “Negotiations are required for an extended period, since the right to impose taxes remains with member states.