The European Union and its Member States delivered a series of statements at the 30th meeting of the Working Group of the Parties to the Aarhus Convention (Geneva, 24–26 June 2026), reaffirming their commitment to the Convention's principles and outlining positions on key agenda items. The statements, compiled in a Council information note dated 2 July 2026, cover support for the agenda, encouragement for wider ratification of the PRTR Protocol and the GMO amendment, and emphasis on modernizing electronic information tools and using artificial intelligence for environmental data dissemination.
The EU delegation expressed commitment to public participation in decision-making, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal target 16.7 and the Pact for the Future. They supported continued cooperation on GMOs with the Convention on Biological Diversity and the development of national action plans. The statements recognized the Compliance Committee's work and called for adequate resources, supporting clarification of admissibility criteria for referrals. The EU also appreciated the Special Rapporteur on environmental defenders and encouraged prioritization of complaints within Parties' territories.
On strategic planning, the EU advocated for a targeted update or extension of the Strategic Plan (2031–2039) rather than a full new plan, arguing this would provide continuity while avoiding unnecessary delays. The statements urged Parties to submit outstanding national implementation reports and promoted the Convention beyond the UNECE region, especially in the Mediterranean. The EU also advocated for synergies with other international forums and conventions.
The positions reflect a balance between strengthening environmental democracy and managing resource constraints. The call for predictable funding and modernized tools could reduce administrative burdens but requires careful integration of new technologies. The targeted strategic plan update may provide continuity but could delay necessary reforms. The statements also underscore the EU's continued protection of environmental defenders and civil society space in Europe and beyond.