EU to start "historic" dialogues with Russia, US

The Finnish presidency of the EU will hold first-ever high-level dialogues with Russia and the US on environmental matters this autumn, Finnish environment minister Jan-Erik Enestam told MEPs on Wednesday. 

Speaking for the first time to the European parliament's environment committee, the minister said Finland would host talks with Russia in October on climate change, biological diversity, forestry and environmental protection.

"It is important that the EU develops its cooperation with Russia in environmental matters, by arranging regular ministerial meetings", Mr Enestam said.  "So far, these contacts have been too rare and sporadic".

In parallel, Finland will start the first round of talks with the US on climate change, clean energy and sustainable development, as agreed in Vienna in June (EED 21/06/06 http://www.endseuropedaily.com/21211).

During a debate with MEPs the minister said he supported additional measures to reduce the impact of aviation on climate change, but said the council would not be pushing to include new recycling targets in a revision on the EU's waste framework directive.

Follow-up: European parliament environment committee http://www.europarl.eu.int/comparl/envi/default_en.htm, tel: +32 2284 2111, plus Finnish EU presidency http://www.eu2006.fi/en_GB/.

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