�� Thank you Mr Chairman.
�� I wish to inform delegates about an important event that took place just this last
week.
�� On the 24th to the 26th of April 2007 Denmark hosted the 3rd ASEM meeting of the
EU and Asian Environment Ministers as well as the European Commission. In all,
some 38 countries of the two regions participated. The ASEM countries adopted a
Declaration text which amongst other things states:
�� That meeting climate change goals, inter alia by improving energy efficiency and
promoting renewable energy and the transfer of such technologies, is not only
necessary ? it is also possible while maintaining sustainable economic growth.
�� That measures to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency can boost
economic performance and ensure energy security, while at the same time reducing
emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants. These measures should be
promoted to combat climate change and to ensure sustainable transition and
diversification of supply.
�� The ASEM countries underline the importance of improving efficiency of their
energy production and consumption patterns, recognising that it is the most costeffective
way to tackle greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen energy security.
�� The ASEM countries stress the importance of increasing the share of renewables in
the energy mix, acknowledging the need to take national circumstances into
account. The countries will strive to improve access to such modern energy
technologies.
�� The 38 countries acknowledge the role of targets specifically for renewable energy
and energy efficiency taking national circumstances into account.
�� The ASEM countries express the importance of an ambitious post 2012
arrangement in promoting the use of these technologies.
�� It was indeed the first time that the Meeting of the Environment Ministers of EU and
Asia endorsed a Declaration text under ASEM. The declaration text will be made
available at the entrance of this room later today (and is also available on
www.asem.mim.dk).
�� Thank you Mr Chairman for giving us the opportunity to report on this meeting.
