A stronger focus on the promotion of the circular economy, protection of biodiversity and the fight against pollution lie at the heart of a new agreement signed on 26 February 2021 for enhanced cooperation between the European Commission (EC) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

Both partners are also paying increasing attention to nature protection and restoration as one of the solutions to tackle such advancing crises.

In a virtual session, European Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius and UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen signed a new Annex to the 2014 Memorandum of Understanding between the EC and UNEP, outlining revised areas for cooperation for the period 2021-2025.

Commissioner Sinkevičius said:

We welcome the opportunity to step up engagement with the UN Environment Programme on the climate, biodiversity and pollution crises, helping us to build a healthier and more resilient society in a post-pandemic world. This is a new phase of cooperation that will help us to implement the European Green Deal and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, but also to form a strong alliance ahead of crucial summits for the future of mankind, which are to take place later in the year.

Inger Anderson said:

UNEP looks forward to collaborating further with the EU and its member states, as well as within the UN system, to achieve the green and digital transition on a global scale across all segments of society. Keeping our sights on the Sustainable Development Goals, we will support Member States as we strive together for an inclusive and sustainable recovery from the pandemic.

The signing of this document is very timely. It takes place following the fifth UN Environment Assembly (UNEA5) meeting last week and the launch of the Global Alliance on Circular Economy