UPDATE 10-11-2011: You can find the presentations, participant's list and signed Memorandum of Understanding in attachment
The Air-Quality Initiative of Regions (AIR) would like to invite you to the conference "The challenge of Air Quality: a regional perspective". This event will take place on Thursday 10 November 2011, 09.00-13.15, followed by lunch, at the Committee of the Regions (Rue Belliard 99-101, 1040 Brussels), Room JDE 52.
The Air Quality Directive (2008/50/EC) updated the air quality targets in Europe by setting clear standards and limit values. This directive will be reviewed in 2012. Twelve European Regions (Baden-Württemberg, Catalunya, Emilia-Romagna, Greater London, Hessen, Lombardia, North Rhine-Westphalia, Piemonte, Randstad, Steiermark, Veneto and Vlaanderen) gathered in AIR will present their best practices of regional initiatives to tackle the problems of air quality. The conference will conclude with a signing ceremony where the political representatives of the AIR-regions will confirm their cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding. Karl Falkenberg, Director-General of DG Environment, will debate with the AIR political representatives on the future of the EU Air Quality Policy.
Programme*
| 9.00 | Registration |
| 9.30 | Welcome speech & state of play of the CoR opinion Cor LAMERS, Rapporteur of the Committee of the Regions for the review of the Air Quality Directive (2008/50/EC) |
| 9.40 | Introduction and presentation of the initiative Gianlorenzo MARTINI, Director of Brussels office of Lombardia Region |
| 9.50 | Keynote speech: Local and European scopes to reduce emissions Prof. Stefan HAUSBERGER, University of Graz |
| 10.10 | Regional best practices: efforts and results (followed by Q&A) - in attachment |
| 11.30 | Coffee break |
| 11.45 | Political debate: “What future for the E.U. air quality policy?” Karl FALKENBERG (Director-General, European Commission – Environment D.G.) will debate with political representatives from: Baden-Württemberg, Catalunya, Emilia-Romagna, Greater London Authority, Hessen, Lombardia, North Rhine-Westphalia, Piemonte, Randstad, Steiermark, Veneto and Vlaanderen Moderated by: Jacki DAVIS |
| 12.55 | Closing remarks Karl FALKENBERG |
| 13.00 | Signing of the memorandum of understanding (in the presence of Karl FALKENBERG) |
| 13.15 | Lunch |
*Simultaneous translation from/to English, German, Italian and Spanish is foreseen.
This event is free of charge, though registration by 3 November 2011 is required by filling in the registration form below.
Listen to the debate:
