Great to see you here today in a very warm Geneva.
Many have been working hard over the past week, and I commend them all.
I assume we all came here to clinch a deal. But we are not moving forward enough.
The world is watching; people everywhere want us to act against plastic pollution.
We cannot miss this historic opportunity to land a global plastics treaty.
The EU is ambitious and pragmatic. We seek consensus, but it requires real effort from all to progress.
I therefore call on all Parties to be constructive and results- oriented. Everyone will need to compromise.
The EU's position is clear. We like plastics, it is a super product, and we will continue to need it.
However, we don't like plastic pollution. It is time to end new plastic pollution as quickly as possible and help clean up the existing pollution that is choking our seas, getting into our food, and invading our bodies.
We have a global responsibility to fix this. No country can do this on its own.
But why do we need an effective treaty?
It will answer the strong demands of citizens not just in the EU, but all around the world who are very, very concerned about their health and that of their children.
And businesses active across borders need a clear global framework for their activities.
If we succeed, an effective treaty will provide an important signal to global markets.
The world is already moving towards a modern, competitive, and circular economy.
I am here together with Magnus and all my EU colleague ministers. Together the EU will lead, engage and work to build bridges so that we can land an ambitious outcome over the next days here in Geneva.
As said, the EU is ready to deal, but not at any cost.
It's time to get real and clinch the right deal.
