The need of exchange good practices on the European Green Deal in order to achieve the zero pollution target, ensuring engagement of LRAs in all dimensions of environment policy making through a multi-level governance approach and how innovation at local and regional level can contribute to the emergence of a new generation of non-toxic chemicals for the environment and citizens' health were the main points discussed during an ENVE Commission meeting.
During a debate on the environmental component of the European Green Deal, Dimitrios Karnavos, Mayor of Kallithea said that there are four ingredients for the European Green Deal to be successfully implemented. These are policy coherence, financial resources, active subsidiarity and learning from each other. Karnavos emphasized the commitment of LRAs to deliver clear benefits for citizens, in terms of greener cities and municipalities.
Markku Markkula, Chair of the Espoo City Board and the President of the Helsinki Region, said that in activities at local and regional level, LRAs are eager to take the innovator role and tackle all the European Green Deal challenges. Speaking on the need to deepen collaboration and to support each other Makkula said "Exchange of good practices between LRAs is essential in order to achieve the zero pollution target as soon as possible." He added that industries, universities and research centres can come together with LRAs to deliver on the European Green Deal.
As CoR Rapporteur Dimitrios Karnavos presented his opinion on the 8th Environment Action Programme. In his remarks Karnavos said "We must ensure that the new Environment Action Programme promotes a sustainable business environment and fosters green investments as the basis to reach a toxic-free environment, provide better living standards for people and create communities that are more resilient." Karnavos said that his opinion highlights eight key points including:
- responding to the inadequate implementation of environmental policies and legislation
- ensuring full involvement of LRAs in all dimensions of environment policy making through collaborative and multi-level governance approach
- the need for better interconnectivity among various environmental policies
- the need for greater interconnectivity between environmental protection and human health
- the need for promoting further typologies beyond rural and urban areas which have particular dynamics and interesting environmental characteristics
- the need for a new monitoring mechanism taking into account LRAs in collection and use of data related to implementation of environmental policies
- promoting a rewarding system on a European, national, regional and local level creating added value for society and citizens to increase efforts and involvement in environmental protection
- the significant role of good law marking for effective response based on the principle of "do no harm".
Adam Struzik, President of the Mazovia Region and CoR Rapporteur for the Opinion on Safe and sustainable chemicals for a toxin-free environment in Europe's cities and regions presented his working document on the opinion. Struzik said "Chemicals play a fundamental role in our daily lives as they are a component of virtually every item and device we use inside and outside the household. On the other hand, some chemicals with hazardous properties can harm the environment and people's health. We therefore need to respond to a number of issues in order to effectively move towards the implementation of the chemicals strategy. Struzik referred to questions that need to be answered. These include:
- How can innovation at local and regional level contribute to the emergence of a new generation of non-toxic chemicals for the environment?
- How can local authorities support environmentally-friendly transformation of the chemical industry, from the creation processes to the use of chemicals friendly to the environment and citizen’s health?
- What new tools will support and strengthen the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises in the context of the design, production and sale of sustainable chemicals?
- How to protect regions and local communities from the risks of disposing toxic chemicals in the course of reforms resulting from the strategy?
During an exchange of views, Joke Schauvliege, Member of the Flemish Parliament and CoR Rapporteur for the Opinion on Experiences and lessons learned by regions and cities during the COVID-19 crisis said that cooperation during such crises is the key to solve the problems of the most affected sectors. She reiterated "There is a need for stronger cooperation for the benefits of the EU and its citizens."