Rather than on a precise figure, “agreeing on the principle of reducing plastic production globally would already be a victory!”. Within the French Ministry of Ecological Transition, we display both confidence and caution regarding the outcome of the final talks relating to the international treaty on plastic pollution, while it is Olga Givernet, Minister Delegate in charge of Energy , and not his supervisory minister, Agnès Pannier-Runacher (read box) who will represent France in South Korea.
The public authorities say they are “worried about the very slow progress of the negotiations”, explaining that several oil-producing countries, Russia in particular, are playing “obstruction” to slow down the work through procedural “delaying tactics”.
Reduction targets
“We must, however, avoid any speculation about a failure when today we are only at the beginning of the fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee around this treaty,” we warn within the ministry.
France's main objective is still to reach an agreement around a binding text and thereby consistent with the initial mandate of the United Nations Environment Assembly. Two priorities are put forward. First, agree on a production reduction objective, with the establishment of a reporting tool so that each State can account for the means implemented. Then, that “demanding measures” be decided on the entire life cycle of plastics, by eliminating the most problematic products in terms of public health and the environment and by improving recycling rates. “An agreement solely on recycling would not be up to the challenge,” we consider.
A very solid coalition
And “France is not alone in holding this position!”, we underline within the ministry, recalling the agreement signed with China in April 2023, the one concluded with Italy within the framework of the last G7 , and, of course, France's membership in the High Ambition Coalition to put an end to plastic pollution which today includes 63 countries.
“Our negotiation teams are very mobilized, we have many allies, a very solid coalition, but the talks are not moving fast enough. It is very important in this context that Minister Olga Givernet goes to Busan”, we analyze within the central administration, recalling in passing the important role of diplomats in finding “semantic and linguistic solutions”.
And to recall that the conclusion of an agreement would correspond more to “the beginning than the end of history” with, as for the climate or biodiversity, the organization of Conferences of the Parties (COP) intended to gradually raise ambitions.
A busy schedule awaits Olga Givernet
It is not Agnès Pannier-Runacher, Minister of Ecological Transition, Energy, Climate and Risk Prevention, who will participate, from November 29 to December 1, in the final negotiations in South Korea, but Olga Givernet, Minister Delegate for Energy! “A question of agenda,” we explain within the Ministry of Ecological Transition. The host country has not officially invited the ministers. However, around thirty are announced in Busan. Most are delegate ministers. France enjoys a good level of representation.”
The two ministers discussed the issue in advance and met civil society stakeholders on November 26 to gather their priorities. “Olga Givernet will endeavor to make contact with all those involved in the negotiation as soon as she arrives and has a very intense program on site. She only plans to leave South Korea on the morning of December 2, which will allow her to still be in Busan if the negotiations continue into the night of December 1,” it is further explained.
