“Environmental protection best served through market instruments”, Potočnik advises next Commission
In an exclusive interview with viEUws, Janez Potočnik – the outgoing European Commissioner for the Environment – discusses how his successor Karmenu Vella could strengthen environmental protection through market instruments and advises the next European Commission on how to use the growth potential of green solutions.
Furthermore, Potočnik identifies the key areas that should get Vella’s attention, including traditional environmental activities (such as water, air and biodiversity protection), changing production and consumption patterns, working hand-in-hand with other Commissioners and special attention to international cooperation. The Commissioner also shares his thoughts on the post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals, waste management plans and a possible merger of the birds and habitats directives. Potočnik concludes by addressing shale gas perspectives in the European Union.
Environment “is about strengthening air and water protection, but also a major opportunity for jobs & growth”, claims Potočnik