Progress in the negotiations on the EU certification scheme for carbon sinks and Lithuania's proposals presented to the social partners
The Ministry of the Environment organized a webinar for social partners on Tuesday to discuss the proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a European Union carbon dioxide sinks certification scheme. Approximately 50 representatives from the agriculture and forestry sectors, non-governmental organizations involved in conservation projects, wetlands, and wetland restoration projects, as well as businesses, attended the meeting. The participants were presented with the essential requirements of the proposal for a Regulation approved by the Council of Europe, the amendments tabled by the European Parliament, and Lithuania's position.
The Council of Europe's Environment Working Group approved the mandate of the proposal for a Regulation on the EU Voluntary System for the Certification of Carbon Dioxide Absorption for further negotiations with the European Parliament.
The proposal for a Regulation categorizes the activities to be certified into those that generate sinks and those that reduce soil emissions. It clarifies the timing of the proposal, separates the formulas for calculating sinks and soil emission reduction units, and includes general provisions for monitoring and reporting. Sustainability criteria, basic criteria for certifiable methodologies, and new obligations for the European Commission to establish a register of sinks and soil emission reduction units are also incorporated.
Lithuania, in general, welcomes the proposals of the European Council and the Parliament but emphasizes that amendments should be technically clarified and justified, avoiding repetition and redundant details without increasing the financial and administrative burden. It is crucial that certification procedures are clear and easy to use.