”In Copenhagen we must reach agreement on a treaty which will show the way for achieving ambitious goals both in the short and the long term. Our goals must be followed up by concrete actions and policies which will contribute to the transition to green economies and sustainable development”, stated the Nordic prime ministers in a declaration as a result of a meeting on 14 and 15 June on Iceland.

The prime ministers anticipate opportunities to co-operate in reducing emissions of CO2 from the transport sector through increased energy efficiency and new energy system solutions. In addition, the prime ministers are calling for the prosperous countries to contribute with efforts for climate protection for the poorest and most vulnerable countries.

The prime ministers will also strive to ensure that the European emission trading quotas are tied to similar systems in other parts of the world aimed at creating a global market for CO2. Research in six main programme areas is at a premium, including energy efficiency, wind power and other sustainable forms of energy.

Iceland’s PM, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, declared at the meeting that Iceland was considering a proposal to apply for EU membership. At the meeting, which was held in Egilsstadir in east of Iceland, the prime ministers also discussed the international economic crisis, Sweden’s EU Presidency, the Baltic Sea strategy and the Stoltenberg report. 

During the meeting the Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers, Halldór Ásgrímsson, reported on the work of the globalisation project which has been in focus in recent years as a result of the prime ministers' meeting in Punkaharju in Finland in 2007.  The President of the Nordic Council, Sinikka Bohlin, met the prime ministers and warmly welcomed their commitment. At the same time she called for a clearer political goal for the globalization initiative.

The Nordic prime ministers’ declaration on climate change.
 
News from Nordic News Weekly- Monday 22.06.09