Green Weimar Triangle relaunched

Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider remarked: "In this difficult global situation, it is crucial that we in Europe stand together. The Weimar Triangle offers the opportunity to bring Eastern and Western Europe closer together. After a twelve-year hiatus, the Weimar Triangle format was successfully relaunched at the level of environment ministers. Europe can find good compromises if Germany, France and Poland work together constructively. One focus of our three countries is advancing circular economy in the EU. Countries that obtain raw materials through recycling are doing something good for the environment, create new jobs and have a clear geopolitical advantage as they are less vulnerable to coercion due to raw material dependencies. The same is true for the recycling and manufacture of batteries. We need these technologies and production facilities in Europe to remain crisis-proof and competitive."

The Weimar Triangle provides an important forum for Germany, France and Poland to coordinate on common challenges. Thirty five years since its inception, the Weimar Triangle format is now more important than ever for coordinating European policy and international affairs: In addition to the governments, the parliaments and civil societies also work closely together in this format. The last Weimar Triangle meetings at the level of environment ministers took place in Warsaw in 2013 and in Berlin in 2014.

From climate action to circular economy

The meeting focussed on topics such as climate action and the phase out of fossil fuels. Another item on the agenda was how to make even better use of the potential of decarbonisation and circular economy to strengthen competitiveness and ensure resilient supply chains. Other topics included climate change adaptation and strengthening Europe in international environmental and climate negotiations.