Irish Presidency concludes negotiations with European Parliament on ‘Stop the Clock’ proposal in relation to aviation emissions

14-3-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Ireland’s Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan, TD, has welcomed agreement reached between the Council and European Parliament on the proposed ‘stop the clock’ decision in relation to greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation sector.

The proposal, brought forward by the European Commission in November 2012, makes provision for a temporary derogation from reporting and compliance obligations under Article 16 of the EU Emissions Trading Directive in the case of flights to or from countries outside the EU. The proposal was introduced to provide space for the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to progress on-going negotiations towards a global market-based measure to address international aviation emissions.

Minister Hogan – I am very pleased that the Council, under the leadership of the Irish Presidency, and the Parliament have been able to provide a further strong signal of support through an early decision on the ‘stop-the-clock’ initiative.

In welcoming today’s development, Minister Hogan said:

“In bringing forward the ‘stop-the-clock’ proposal, the European Commission responded very quickly to the opportunity that emerged in November 2012, through ICAO, to reach agreement on a global market-based measure to address international aviation emissions. The progress made at the ICAO Council meeting on 9th November 2012 was a very positive development in terms of the prospects for effective global action on aviation and climate change, and it was critical for the EU to respond quickly and proactively to support the effort to find agreement. I am very pleased that the Council, under the leadership of the Irish Presidency, and the Parliament have been able to provide a further strong signal of support through an early decision on the ‘stop-the-clock’ initiative. This reinforces EU goodwill in the negotiations on a global agreement and it is now up to ICAO to deliver on its side. I hope this one-year derogation will serve as an incentive in the negotiations and a reminder to the Parties that we are looking to the ICAO General Assembly later this year in expectation of a positive outcome.”

The agreement reached today, will now be considered for final approval by the Committee of Permanent Representatives

ENDS