The Meeting of the Parties, at its 4th session, will review the implementation of the Convention and its previous intersessional workplan before considering a number of decisions, including the adoption of a new workplan and budget.
One decision addresses compliance with the Convention, with the Meeting expected to consider recommendations by the Convention’s Implementation Committee. Some of these recommendations arose from the Committee’s consideration of a submission by Romania raising concerns about Ukraine’s compliance with its obligations under the Convention with respect to the Bystroe Canal Project and in the light of the opinion of the inquiry commission on the environmental impact of the project.
Another decision is expected to adopt a review of implementation of the Convention, based on the Parties’ reports. A Multilateral Agreement among the Countries of South-Eastern Europe for Implementation of the Convention is also expected to be adopted and signed by the Ministers in Bucharest. In addition, panel discussions will address (a) the application of the Convention to energy-sector projects and (b) future directions 10 years after the entry into force of the Convention.
Slovenia will present the joint EU Statement on the budget, review of compliance, working programme and subregional cooperation.
The Slovenian delegation will lead the coordination of EU stances and will present EU experience of strategic environmental assessment linked with cross-border cooperation programmes. Dr Samo Kopač, Director-General for the Environment of the Republic of Slovenia, will present the joint EU statement at the high–level meeting on 20 May.
