Press Advisories

8. 11. 20189:26

Prime Minister Babiš talked with the Environment Commissioner Vella about air quality and migration

On Wednesday, 7 November 2018, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš received Karmenu Vella, the European Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries in the Hrzán Palace. The talks primarily focused on air protection and the current proposals of the European Commission concerning plastics, as well as migration issues.

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and Commissioner Vella also talked about waste, with special focus on plastics. In this context, the Prime Minister welcomed the Commission’s proposals and the European Parliament's decision, endorsing at the end of October a directive on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment. The Czech government is very active in this area, as exemplified by the “Enough of Plastic” campaign.

They have also touched on migration issues, particularly migratory pressures on the Mediterranean route. Prime Minister Babiš mentioned the need to protect the external borders of the European Union and effective return policies.

Commissioner Vella came to the Czech Republic to attend the ‘Clean Air Dialoque’, which takes place in the Czech Republic on 7 and 8 November. The aim of the dialogue is to enable discussion on air pollution issues and to speed up possible solutions in individual Member States.

The Prime Minister assured Commissioner Vella that air quality is one of the Czech government’s priorities. He also informed him about the state of air protection legislation and the update of the relevant air quality strategy in the form of the National Emission Reduction Plan and air quality plans. He also emphasised that air quality should be reflected in the financial framework after 2020.