Potočnik speaking at IEEP’s conference on 4 December, Brussels

On 4 December 2012, IEEP organised a high-level conference in Brussels on ‘Stepping up action for Europe’s environment’. The conference was opened by Janez Potočnik, European Commissioner for the Environment. Other keynote speakers included Peter Vis, Head of Commissioner Hedegaard’s Cabinet, and Prof. Jacqueline McGlade, Executive Director of the European Environment Agency.

IEEP launched a new report ‘Running out of time? Stepping up action for Europe’s environment’ at the conference. The report underlines the current lack of strategic direction to 2030 in the EU and highlights the need for more concrete action including target-setting in several areas, as well as the need for better implementation and financing of environmental priorities.

A number of prominent panelists including European policy-makers and representatives from business, NGOs and academia spoke at the conference. The conference was attended by over 100 participants from Member States, EU institutions, business, civil society and academia. The conference offered one of the first opportunities to debate the Commission’s recent proposal for the 7th Environment Action Programme. Discussions at the conference highlighted the urgent need for action as well as the wealth of opportunities that lie ahead.

Find out more about our work on the 7th EAP by visiting our minisite.