A Sustainability Plan will accompany the environmental commitment of the Spanish Presidency of the EU

The Organising Committee of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2023 has adopted a Sustainability Plan to ensure that the presidency is sustainable, in line with the 2030 Agenda, and with political priorities such as the ecological transition, inclusion and equality.

This new plan will be developed in three phases: preparatory, presidency and final.

During the preparatory period, which includes the months prior to the start of the Spanish Presidency, the Sustainability Plan includes, by way of example, that public procurement bodies incorporate ecological and environmental sustainability criteria in tender specifications.

Six commitments

The second phase covers the six months of the Spanish Presidency, during which six commitments will be made, starting on 1 July 2023.

The first will be to promote the use of sustainable and low-emission transport, with a commitment to organising events and meetings that reduce carbon emissions as much as possible. To this end, the use of high-speed rail for inter-city travel and, wherever possible, public transport for urban travel by participants in high-level meetings will be promoted.

In the second commitment, the Spanish Presidency will opt for a rational use of energy resources, especially with regard to the lighting of events using LED lights, and the optimisation of the temperature in the venues.

In addition, it will focus on sustainable, healthy and local catering services, including catering and restaurant services with balanced menus, local, organic and seasonal products, and a choice that supports producers, distributors and businesses in the area.

The presidency will also promote the sustainable use of resources and the reduction of waste to foster the circular economy. By way of example, single-use plastics will be eliminated in catering services, and the distribution of paper-based printed material will be kept to a minimum, replaced by the distribution of electronic documentation.

The fifth commitment involves ensuring inclusion, equality and universal accessibility. To this end, gender balance and gender-neutral language will be promoted. A safe environment will also be ensured by facilitating the distribution of the Guía Punto Violeta (Purple Dot Guide) to act against gender-based violence. Universal accessibility will also be ensured to the premises where meetings are held, and to the presidency's website.

Last, the plan will be made public to allow for its monitoring and to promote the transparency of the exercise.

Accountability

Once the presidency is completed, the final phase of the Sustainability Plan's development, accountability, will be implemented. The Coordination Office for the Spanish Presidency of the EU will draw up a Presidency Report, which will include an evaluation section on the fulfilment of the objectives of the Sustainability Plan.

Non official translation