According to a resolution recently adopted by MEPs,  the Seventh Environment Action Programme (EAP), the EU's next flagship environmental strategy, must outline steps and set targets to protect the EU's environment and encourage a more efficient use of energy and natural resources. As the current sixth edition is set to expire in July, MEPs are calling upon the Commission to propose a Seventh EAP as soon as possible.

As the EU failed to meet its overall biodiversity target for 2010, the European Parliament insists that the EU must prioritize the preservation and restoration of damaged ecosystems. In a resolution adopted last week, the EP also calls for the naming and phasing-out of environmentally harmful subsidies by 2020.

According to recent updates, the European Commission held a high level conference this week to mark the launch of the new "World Input-Output Database". This new database, which allows trade analysts to have a better view on the global value chains created by world trade, reveals the value added embodied in goods and services as they are traded internationally.

During the course of the Informal Environment Council, which took  place in Horsens, Denmark,  ministers exchanged views on Rio+20. They agreed that the inclusive green economy is key to achieving long term sustainable development and eradicate poverty. Ministers pointed out that the EU and member states thereof should continue with concrete and ambitious proposals in the negotiation process.

Several weeks ago we raised awareness of some of the declarations made by Benjamin W. Mkapa, the former president of Tanzania and Chairperson of the South Centre, on EPA negotiations with the East African Community. Mr Mkapa expressed doubts over whether or not these were driven by European interests.  This week, he goes deeper and presents the three possible scenarios for EU-EAC negotiations and the consequences thereof.  According to his analysis, the elimination of tariffs on 80 per cent of trade, restrictions on the use of export taxes and quantitative restrictions, as well as the standstill clause will result in nothing less than Africa becoming a perpetual supplier of raw materials.