European Commission
united-kingdom

Strategy to curb air travel pollution

The European Commission has presented a plan aimed at reducing air travel’s growing contribution to air pollution and climate change. In a Communication, the Commission is proposing to include the aviation sector in the EU’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). The ETS sets an overall cap on greenhouse gas emissions, within which participating operators can buy and sell emission allowances as needed. This would create a permanent incentive for airlines to minimise their emissions. Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said: “The boom in flying is bringing with it a rapid rise in greenhouse gas emissions. Extending emissions trading to the aviation sector will limit these emissions and ensure that aviation, like all other sectors, contribute to reducing the harmful greenhouse gases.” Aviation’s share of overall EU greenhouse gas emissions is still modest at 3%, but its emissions are growing faster than any other sector. Click here for further information.

[ IP/05/1192]

Belfast set for taste of Europe

St George’s Market is the setting on 3 and 4 October for a major exhibition and fair which will bring a taste of Europe to Belfast. The two-day event rounds off Opportunity Europe, a programme of activities designed to highlight Northern Ireland’s many links with Europe. Organised by Belfast City Council in partnership with the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister and the European Commission Office in Northern Ireland, Opportunity Europe is one of a series of events during the UK’s Presidency of the European Union. More than 50 exhibitors will be present in St George’s Market to provide information, resources and advice on everything from studying to volunteering in another part of Europe. Guest speakers from the BBC, Bombardier Aerospace, Michelin, the Department of Health and the British Council will demonstrate the importance of developing language skills and how this can enhance job prospects and help business growth. There will be an opportunity to “give it a go” for yourself with rolling language taster sessions in French, German, Italian and Spanish. The fair will offer opportunities to try out a varied series of activities, ranging from giant draughts and boules to salsa dancing, all complemented by live music and a range of European food stalls to tantalize the tastebuds. On Monday 3 October at 5.30pm, top chef Michael Deane will demonstrate how local produce can be combined with continental flavours to produce delicious dishes. Eddie McVeigh, Head of the European Commission Office said: “The two-day fair at St George’s Market is an opportunity to find out what Europe means for Northern Ireland and to explore the opportunities for business, employment or studying abroad." Opportunity Europe will be open at St. George’s Market, Belfast on Monday 3 October (1pm – 7pm) and Tuesday 4 October (9.30am – 4pm). Admission is free. The Opportunity Europe programme of events is available at: /unitedkingdom/about_us/office_in_north_ireland/oppeur.pdf

Speeches

• Commissioner Verheugen on legislative proposals to be withdrawn SPEECH/05/541
• Commissioner Hübner on the EU’s role in wider economic policy-making SPEECH/05/550

For information on any of the above items, please contact Catherine McShane on 028 9024 0708 or email catherine.mcshane@ec.europa.eu