In order to push the implementation of the environmental acquis further, the Secretariat proposed to the Ministerial Council to establish a Task Force on Environment. At its meeting on 24 Sep 2010, the Ministerial Council approved that proposal and authorized the PHLG to adopt a concrete mandate of the Task Force and to elect its Chair. Following the presentation of two reports by the Secretariat, the 19th PHLG decided on the mandate in Mar 2011.
Mandate
Whilst discussing the mandate of the Task Force, the members of the PHLG agreed on following principles:
1. Focus: At a first stage, the Environmental Task Force should focus on the implementation of the acquis related to emission reduction (Sulphur in Fuels and Large Combustion Plants Directive)
2: Mandate: The Task Force’s mandate should be comprehensive enough to achieve both transposition and implementation of the two Directives within the respective deadlines
3. Composition: The Task Force should consist of representatives from the European Union, from the Contracting Parties as well as the Observers which are candidates for membership.
4: Duration and number of meetings: Task Force be given until the end of 2015 to achieve the goals assigned in the mandate and spelt out by its work programme. The mandate may be renewed by the PHLG, if considered useful. Regular Task Force meetings are organized twice a year.
