Environmental measures must also boost competitiveness, says the Hungarian government

Steps taken in the interest of achieving climate neutrality, a circular economy and environmental goals must also strengthen competitiveness, the state secretary in charge of environmental affairs and the circular economy said after a meeting of EU ministers in charge of environmental protection in Budapest on Friday.

Officials at the meeting agreed on the need to take steps in the interest of ensuring the competitiveness of the green transition, Anikó Raisz said.

European Union member states expect a myriad of global environmental challenges, including climate change, the loss of biodiversity and environmental pollution, Raisz said. She said she believed that reaching the established goals required a comprehensive and systemic approach and incorporating support for sustainable investments into EU and member state economic strategies.

She noted that the COP 29 UN climate change conference held in Baku in November will be one of the major international events during Hungary’s six-month presidency of the Council of the EU. The ministers at the Budapest meeting emphasised their commitment to the fight against climate change, as well as the need for real climate change adaptation plans in order to meet the targets of the Paris climate agreement, she said.

Raisz said the ministers also reviewed the competitiveness aspects of the transition to a circular economy, concentrating on strategies that ensure that the bloc could be a leader in global environmental protection efforts while also remaining competitive.

Meanwhile, she said participants at the meeting were in agreement that droughts made it crucial to develop adaptable and flexible water management.

The state secretary also underscored the importance of strengthening cross-border partnerships aimed at mitigating the effects of environmental pollution.

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