The European Union (EU) informal Environment Council concluded on 18 September, with ministers responsible for the sector continuing the discussions already under way on the European Commission's proposal to cut emissions by 90% by 2040. During the talks, Latvia put forward its own proposals to the European Commission, calling for them to be taken into account in the further drafting of the European Climate Law. The key points are the role of biomass in strengthening Latvia's energy independence, the application of more flexible targets in light of the geopolitical situation, and the importance of the agricultural sector to the economy and to food production.
"The talks have delivered substantial progress, although it has not come easily. Several of Latvia's proposals have been incorporated into the text of the draft law. It is now very important to ensure that these proposals are retained right through to the end of the negotiating cycle. Concerns nevertheless remain about whether the 2040 target can realistically be met, which I also stressed at the ministerial meeting, highlighting in particular Latvia's suggestions, which we urged the European Commission to take into account as work continues on the current version of the European Climate Law," explains Minister for Climate and Energy Kaspars Melnis.
It is essential that Latvia can continue to use renewable energy sources, biomass in particular, for heating after 2030 as well. More than 60% of the fuel we use is green biomass. For the Baltic region, wood chips and firewood are very important in ensuring energy security, independence and availability.
The 2040 climate target rests on the assumption that the 2030 climate targets will be met across Europe, but Latvia sees a risk that the current assumptions may be too optimistic. For this reason, Latvia called during the talks for the European Commission to include wording in the draft law providing for the possibility of revising the 2040 target should the 2030 targets turn out to have been forecast incorrectly.
It is equally important for Latvia that the draft law take account of the differing situations of Member States – economic development, competitiveness and geopolitical position. Latvia has to invest substantially more in national defence, security and energy independence than ever before. In these circumstances, Latvia needs greater flexibility in delivering the targets up to 2040. It is important that the European Commission prepare an impact assessment for each Member State.
Agriculture and forestry, which form part of the land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector, are of major importance to Latvia's economy. This is one of Latvia's principal sectors, and climate targets must be set with regard to what is realistically achievable and to natural trends. More than half of Latvia's territory is forest, and the age structure of those forests is important to take into account. Nor must the targets create risks for food production and supply security.
Because of the specific nature of this sector, reducing emissions is a challenge, and Latvia therefore called for the draft law to recognise the particular features of LULUCF, while noting at the same time that lifting the burden of ambition from this sector must not shift it onto the shoulders of other sectors in the name of meeting the overall target.
The next discussions will continue at the level of Member States' Prime Ministers in the European Council at the end of October this year. Once the main principles have been agreed at the level of Member State leaders, ministers in the Environment Council will have to decide on a compromise text for the European Climate Law.
As already reported, on 2 July this year the EC published a proposal to cut GHG emissions in the EU by 90% by 2040 compared with 1990. At its Cabinet of Ministers sitting on 8 July, the Latvian government decided not to support this proposal until it is clear how such a common target set for EU Member States would affect Latvia specifically.