Janez Potoċnik

16/10/2014: "Nature based solutions are often also the cheapest solutions"

10/10/2014: "We need to escape the handcuffs of GDP"

29/09/2014: Speech at the conference of national coordinators of Eco-school programme, Brdo pri Kranju, Slovenia (in Slovene)

04/09/2014: “The growth path we are following is not the right one”

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Meeting with the Environment Committee of the European Parliament, Brussels

26/08/2014: Presentation at the 14th Congress of European Association of Agricultural Economists in Ljubljana

02/07/2014: Speaking points by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik on Circular Economy

25/06/2014: "Green capitals – spreading the green message"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, European Green Capital Award ceremony, Copenhagen.

19/06/2014: 'They ain't making it any more': managing our land sustainably'

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Conference 'Land as a resource', Brussels.

14/06/2014: "ZOTKINI TALENTI"

Speech at the award ceremony "ZOTKINI TALENTI", the solemn announcement of the results from the national knowledge competitions and meeting of young researchers, organized by the Association for Technical Culture of Slovenia (only in Slovene).

10/06/2014: "Learning to live with the wolf"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Launch of EU Platform on co-existence between people and large carnivores, Brussels.

06/06/2014: "Changing mindsets"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Green Week Closing Speech, Brussels.

04/06/2014: "Virtuous Circles"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Opening session of Green Week 2014, Brussels.

03/06/2014: "We need a new revolution"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, New Environmentalism Summit, Brussels.

26/05/2014: "Fewer forests in our cars"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Conference on the challenges of deforestation and forest degradation in the context of climate change, development and biodiversity loss, Brussels.

22/05/2014: "From reliable, high-quality information on ecosystems and their services to better protection of biodiversity"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, High-Level Conference on Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services (MAES), Brussels.

09/05/2014: "Slovenia in the EU - 10 years after the accession" (speech in Slovene)

10/04/2014: "Our fight against wildlife trafficking"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Expert Conference on the EU Approach against Wildilfe Trafficking, Brussels

08/04/2014: "Our role models and their outstanding environmental contribution"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Opening the EMAS Award Ceremony, Hannover

07/04/2014: "Role of the EU Industry to lead the green economy"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Opening of the Industrial GreenTec Fair, Hannover

07/04/2014: "Eco-innovation and Circular Economy"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Opening of 16th European Forum on Eco-Innovation, Hannover

21/03/2014: Speech at the ACER (Catalan Association of Research Institutions)

Prize Award Ceremony, Barcelona

20/03/2014: "The role of forests in tomorrow's world"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Economist Group's second annual World Forests Summit, Stockholm

06/03/2014: "Working together for a better future and quality of our lives, within the limits of our planet"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Panel discussion on the 7th EAP (Environment Action Programme), Berlin

03/03/2014: "Together we can save our seas"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Opening address to ‘HOPE’ (Healthy Oceans – Productive Ecosystems) marine conference, Brussels

14/02/2014: Presentation of European Commission 2014 Work Programme and the achievements of the mandate (only in Slovene)

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik in the National Assembly of Republic of Slovenia (Ljubljana, Slovenia)

13/02/2014: A New Global Partnership: European Civil Society Positions on the Post-2015 Framework

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik at the Conference on the Post-2015 Framework (EESC, Brussels)

12/12/2013: "The Nature of Italy: Biodiversity and Protected Areas: the Green Economy for restarting the Country"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, (University "Sapienza"), Rome

10/12/2013: "Clean air for all - all for clean air"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Closing Conference on the European Year of Air (Council of Europe), Strasbourg

03/12/2013: "Environmental challenges need both global and local solutions"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Video message for the Sustainability Days Oresund event (Malmö, Sweden)

02/12/2013: "Why protect nature?"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Dinaric Arc Conference, Montenegro

27/11/2013: "Environment and human rights III: Responsibility of the state for the remediation of polluted environment"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, conference organized by the Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia and National Council of the Republic of Slovenia (in Slovene)

22/11/2013: "Water: the need for innovation is urgent"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Closing remarks at the 1st Annual Conference of the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) on Water, Strasbourg

25/11/2013: "Resource efficiency as a condition for the competitiveness of the economy"

Speech in the Environmental meeting 2013: Energy and water - A winning combination for the recovery of the Slovenian economy organized by the Business Academy of Finance Daily Newspaper, Ljubljana (available in Slovene only)

07/11/2013: "We need a revolution"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, WRAP annual conference 2013 - Vision 2020: the path to a circular economy, London

05/11/2013: "Are we moving to a resource efficient future"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Friends of the Earth (FoE) Europe Conference, Brussels

05/11/2013: "The Benefits of Green Infrastructure"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, EESC-CoR Conference on Green Infrastructure

05/11/2013: "Why do we need Ecolabels"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN) Conference

25/10/2013: "The future European economy"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, 3rd International Economic Forum (IWF) – Resource Efficiency, Baden-Baden

21/10/2013: "A European Strategy for Shale"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, FT Global Shale Energy Summit - "The Global Shale Revolution: Framing the Opportunities and the Risks", London

18/10/2013: "The world won’t wait for elections"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, European Environment Bureau’s Annual Conference

15/10/2013: "If you think the economy is more important than the environment, try holding your breath while counting your money"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Launch of the EEA's Report on Air Quality 2013

09/10/2013: "Investing in nature is investing in our future"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Video message for the 10th World Wilderness Congress, Salamanca

02/10/2013: "Valuing Scotland’s resources: priorities for today and for a sustainable future"

Video message at Scottish Resources Conference, Scotland

30/09/2013: "Opting in for Innovation, on our road towards Resource Efficiency"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, 5th European Innovation Summit, Brussels

30/09/2013: Plastic: "let’s keep the Fantastic and get rid of the Drastic"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Conference on "The role of plastic waste in a circular economy"

13/09/2013: "Protecting our rivers is a sound economic and environmental investment"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, European river restoration conference, Vienna

18/07/2013: "The frog does not drink up the pond in which it lives"

Roundtable with EUCCC on Green Business Opportunities in China, Bejing

28/06/2013: Speech at the Pregl award ceremony and at the opening of the Pregl Research Centre

National institute for Chemistry, Ljubljana (only in Slovene)

25/06/2013: "Moving towards a resource efficient, green economy in the Danube Region"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, WWF Conference, Sofia

20/06/2013: "New Environmentalism"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Scottish Parliament - Committee on Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment, Edinburgh

14/06/2013: "The importance of green cities"

Speech, European Green Capital Award 2015 – workshop Nantes

07/06/2013: "Only one air"

Closing remarks at Green Week 2013, Brussels

04/06/2013: "Cleaner Air for All: Policies for Europe and beyond"

Opening of the Green Week 2013, Brussels

27/05/2013: Speech: "Environment or Economy: Can we have both?"

Environment Public discussion at the Hay Festival (Hay-on-Wye, UK)

24/05/2013: Speech: "Developing innovative solutions to our water challenges"

3rd meeting of the Steering Group of the European Innovation Partnership on Water, Brussels

16/05/2013: Speech: "The importance of a holistic approach to key resources"

Thematic Debate 'Sustainable development and climate change: practical solutions in the Energy-Water nexus', UN, New-York

14/05/2013: Speech: "Shale gas in Europe - being consistent with a low carbon economy, managing health and environmental risks"

European Economic Congress in Katowice/Poland

23/04/2013: Speech: "Towards Green Growth: Seizing Business Opportunities"

Green Economy Forum (Dublin Chamber of Commerce)

17/04/2013: Speech: "The only way forward is a sustainable economy"

Debate on Green Economy (at the Graduate Institute Geneva), Geneva

17/04/2013: Speech: "Cities will define our future"

7th European conference on sustainable cities & towns, Geneva

12/04/2013: Speech: "Let's Free our Oceans from this Plague"

International Conference on Prevention and Management of Marine Litter in European Seas, Berlin

04/04/2013: Speech: "A throw away economy cannot be competitive"

UNEP meeting "Towards a Sustainable Economic Paradigm: from Labour to Resource Productivity", Paris

04/04/2013: Speech: "The private sector and the environment need each other"

Annual conference of the Green Growth Knowledge Platform (OECD), Paris

03/04/2013: Speech: "Environmental priorities"

Hearing with the Committee for European Affairs and the Committee for Sustainable Development (Assemblée Nationale), Paris

03/04/2013: Speech: "Getting the future we really want will depend on each one of us"

Debate organised by "Ecolo Ethik, de l'Ecole des Affaires Internationales des Sciences Po", Paris

25/03/2013: "Water as an opportunity for sustainable development and international cooperation of Slovenia"

Speech at the discussion organised by Slovenian Foreign Ministry (ONLY IN SLOVENE), Ljubljana

19/03/2013: Speech: "Raw Materials: Not just about economics but physics!"

3rd Annual European Raw Materials Conference, Brussels

19/03/2013: Speech: "Waste is not a problem – it is an opportunity"

Seminar on improving implementation of the waste legislation in selected Member States - Brussels, 19 March 2013

18/03/2013: Speech: "Let's Clean up Europe!"

Launch of new European litter prevention network - Brussels, 18 March 2013.

07/03/2013: "Sustainable use of phosphorus"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, 1st European Sustainable Phosphorus Conference - opening of the second day of the conference, Brussels

07/03/2013: "Making waste a resource and moving towards a truly circular economy"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, "Zero Waste Europe" Conference (at the European Parliament), Brussels

06/03/2013: Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik

Moving in the right direction – cleaner transport for improved health and sustainable economic growth, European Mobility Week Award Ceremony, Brussels

06/03/2013: Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik

Forum for the future of agriculture - session: sustainable intensification and resource efficiency, Brussels

19/02/2013: "Towards universal prosperity and well-being within our planetary boundaries"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Ministerial roundtable discussion on "Environmental challenges within sustainable development and the UNEP's contribution to Sustainable Development Goals, Promoting sustainable consumption and production", at the 27th Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme / Nairobi, Kenya

18/12/2012: "Clean Air Everywhere: Blowing the winds of change into European air policy"

Speech at the EEB Conference, Brussels

18/12/2012: Speech - "Giving the World a Sustainable Future"

Speech at the Brussels Sustainable Development Summit, Brussels, 18 December 2012

10/12/2012: "The Imperative for, and Progress towards an Inclusive Green Economy"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, A.I.S.E 60th Anniversary - Panel Discussion: How ambitious must we be and how do we ensure the whole sector moves? - Brussels

05/12/2012: "Developing energy grids which are economically profitable, socially accepted and environmentally sound"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, 2nd European Grid Conference: Towards socially accepted and environmentally sound grids - Practical experiences across Europe, Brussels

04/12/2012: 'Living well, within the limits of the planet'

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, High level IEEP (Institute for European Environment Policy) conference on the future of EU environmental policy, Brussels

29/11/2012: Opening speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik

Green Capital Handover Ceremony.

26/11/2012: "Water: we need something better, something more and something new"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, EU Water Blueprint Conference/Nicosia

23/11/2012: "The fish cannot go to Court"

The environment is a public good that must be supported by a public voice, Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Seminar on Access to Justice and Organisation of Jurisdictions in Environment Litigation by the Association of the Councils of State and Supreme Administrative Jurisdictions of the European Union (ACA-Europe) / Brussels

19/11/2012: "Green growth for Ireland and Europe"

Keynote speech at the Irish Institute for International and European Affairs / Dublin

16/11/2012: "Following up on Rio+20 – Delivering on land degradation"

Conference "Land and soil degradation – post Rio+20", Brussels

13/11/2012: "Planet, people and profits: How to deliver a sustainable exit from the crisis"

Keynote speech at the European Resource Efficiency Forum "Vision 2020 – the role of resource efficiency for Europe's future"

23/10/2012: "Investing in nature protection is investing in our own future"

Speech by Commissioner for Environment Investing in nature protection is investing in our own future Celebrating the 20 Years' anniversary of the Habitats Directive, Natura 2000 and the LIFE Regulation - EUROPARC annual Conference Genk, 22 October 2012

11/10/2012: "Environment and transport policies must go hand in hand"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Congress of European Advisory Council on Transport and Environment, Rotterdam

9/10/2012: "Achieving a sustainable economy"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, BusinessEurope Advisory and Support Group CEO Event, Brussels

9/10/2012: "No place for food waste in a world where people are hungry"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Retail Forum for Sustainability 2012 Annual Event: The Green Economy in the current economic situation "How does it influence consumers' and retailers' behaviours?", Brussels

9/10/2012: "Ending the abuse of marine environment"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Fisheries (PECH) Committee meeting (European Parliament), Brussels

01/10/2012: "The success or failure of Rio will depend on us and be decided in the years to come"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, European Environmental Bureau's Annual Conference, Brussels

28/09/2012: "Chemical Industry: From Suspect to Sustainable"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Global Chemical Industry European Convention CEFIC and ICCA (International Council of Chemical Associations), London

25/09/2012: "20 years on – The importance of EU nature protection"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, "Three for the Tree – Investing in Natura 2000 for future prosperity and well-being" - event organized by WWF European Policy Office, EEB (European Environmental Bureau), EUROPARC, IUCN Regional Office for Europe, Brussels

25/09/2012: "Protecting our natural capital and biodiversity must play a central role in our economic strategy"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, European Network of Heads of Nature Conservation Agencies (ENCA), 11th Plenary Session, Brussels

25/09/2012: "The Environmental Challenges facing us"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Regional Environmental Network for Accession (RENA) meeting, Brussels

24/09/2012: "To invest in clean air means to invest in our future"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Launch of EEA's "Air Quality in Europe" – 2012 report, Brussels

21/09/2012: "Any Future for the Plastic Industry in Europe?"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, PolyTalk 2012, A major plastics industry summit "Plastics – An Intriguing Love Story?", Wiesbaden

18/09/2012: "Moving in the right direction"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Official launch of Mobility Week 2012, Brussels

07/09/2012: "The need for dialogue on hunting and conservation"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Celebration of the 35th anniversary of FACE (Federation of Associations for Hunting and Conservation of the EU, Brussels

02/09/2012: "The global challenges we face and the choices we must make"

Speech by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Panel discussion: Europe and the Reshaped Global Order - Bled Strategic Forum (Slovenia), Bled

20/07/2012: Speech at the event "Celebrating the 20 Years' anniversary of the Habitats Directive, Natura 2000 and the LIFE Regulation"

Kozjanski Park, Castle Podsreda, Slovenia - only in Slovenian

11/07/2012: Rio+20: Outcome and follow-up

Thematic debate on the outcome of Rio+20 at the 482nd Plenary session of the European Economic and Social Committee, Brussels.

05/07/2012: Statement on the outcome of Rio+20

Debate in the European Parliament, Strasbourg.

29/06/2012: "European Green Capital Award 2014"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, European Green Capital Award Ceremony, Vitoria-Gasteiz

29/06/2012: "European Green Capital Award 2014"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, workshop Palacio Villa Suso / Vitoria, Gasteiz (Spain)

28/06/2012: "Europe's Industrial Future – Internal and External Challenges"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, European Steel Day, The Square / Brussels

26/06/2012: "A breath of fresh AIR: Regional approach to future Air Quality Policy"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, European Parliament / Brussels

21/06/2012: "The way forward in implementing the expected outcomes of the conference"

Roundtable of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio de Janeiro

21/06/2012: "Our natural capital is endangered"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK:, Launch by the world bank of initiative on natural capital accounting in the context of the ongoing Rio +20 conference / Rio de Janeiro.

13/06/2012: "The green economy – our survival strategy"

Address to the media ahead of the upcoming Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Brussels

05/06/2012: "How can we do more with less"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, Launch of high-level panel on Resource Efficiency, Brussels

01/06/2012: "Growth will only come if we change our behaviour"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus, Cyprus

25/05/2012: "Every drop counts!"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, Closing session of the European Green Week 2012, Brussels

21/05/2012: "20 years of protecting nature in Europe"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, Celebrating the 20 Years' anniversary of the Habitats Directive, Natura 2000 and the LIFE Regulation, Denmark

15/05/2012: "Unlocking the potential of Europe's forests – The path towards green growth"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, ThinkForest high-level seminar towards a green bio-economy, Brussels

10/05/2012: "Addressing soil contamination, land take and soil sealing: good for the environment, good for the economy"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, Conference on Soil remediation and soil sealing, Brussels, 10 May 2012

07/05/2012: "Rio+20: Oceans, land, water, fisheries"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, Sessions on Rio +20 during the Informal Ministerial Roundtable on Climate Change, Brussels, 7-8 May 2012

24/04/2012: "The economy and the environment are deeply interlinked"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of Parliaments of the European Union, Copenhagen

13/04/2012: Opening of the station for charging electric cars, Kamnik, Slovenia (in Slovene)

11/04/2012: "Rio+20 – Building on the pillars of life, development and poverty eradication"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, Meeting of the Committee of Infrastructure and Environment of the Dutch Parliament, The Hague

30/03/2012: "Resource efficiency is not a choice, it is inevitable"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, OECD Ministerial Meeting of the Environment Policy Committee, Brussels

27/03/2012: "How agricultural and environmental interests meet together in the future CAP"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, 5th Forum for Agriculture, Brussels

22/03/2012: "Results of the Eurobarometer on Water – what are Europeans' expectations?"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, Water Intergroup meeting (European Parliament), Brussels

16/03/2012: "Rio+20 - Making sure the future we want is the future we get"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, Workshop on Rio+20 high level conference – debate on green economy, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

13/03/2012: "Water democracy at work"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, Ministerial conference (at the World Water Forum), Marseilles, France

13/03/2012: "Achieving good ecological status of EU water bodies by 2015"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, Thematic session on the Water Framework Directive (at the World Water Forum), Marseilles, France

02/03/2012: "Making sure the future we want is the future we get"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, 12th Special Session of the Governing Council / Global Ministerial Environment Forum (GC/GMEF), Nairobi

08/02/2012: "Sustainable Consumption and Production as a Vehicle for Green Growth"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, Seminar on the results of SWITCH-Asia and its applicability to other regions in the world, Brussels.

07/02/2012: "Go sustainable, be responsible!"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, European civil society on the road to Rio+20, Conference at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), Brussels

15/12/2011: "EU objectives for Rio+20"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, Committee of Regions Plenary session, Brussels.

15/12/2011: "The city where green is capital"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, The European Green Capitals Handover Ceremony - from Hamburg (EGC 2011) to Vitoria-Gasteiz (EGC 2012), Brussels.

12/12/2011: "Resource efficiency is not a choice, it is inevitable"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, Roundtable in the UK Parliament, London.

12/12/2011: "Without public action, some resources will never have a price nor a market"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, Conference of Confederation of British Industry and the Green Alliance London.

06/12/2011: "Resource efficiency is also a business opportunity"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, Meeting with the British Chamber of Commerce in Belgium, Brussels.

29/11/2011: "Real power lies at the local level"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, Covenant of Mayors Ceremony - Restoring faith in Europe's future through local sustainable energy, Brussels.

24/11/2011: "Saving water to save our future"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, European Water Stewardship Launch, Brussels.

22/11/2011: "Introductory remarks to petitions committee"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, Petitions committee meeting (European Parliament), Brussels

21/11/2011: "Introductory remarks to environment committee"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, Environment committee meeting (European Parliament), Brussels

10/11/2011: "Enabling consumers to make sustainable choices"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, Retail Forum for Sustainability 2011 Annual Event, Brussels

08/11/2011: "Our economies must change Responsible or irresponsible? Europe's resource use and its impacts"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, Friends of the Earth Europe Conference, Brussels

08/11/2011: "It's time to stop wasting food"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, Conference "combating food waste in the EU", Brussels

17/10/2011: "Stay awake when you buy buy baby"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, Generation Awake Summit, Warsaw

11/10/2011: "An economy that does not leave the Earth behind"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, WWF conference "Resources Unlimited? Moving to a resource-efficient economy", Brussels

05/10/2011: "If we want things to stay the same, things will have to change"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, European Voice Innovation Forum, Brussels

03/10/2011: "Rio+20 must succeed and Europe will play its part"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, Inaugural Session of the Ministerial Dialogue on Green Economy and Inclusive Growth, New Delhi

29/09/2011: "Sustainability as a means to Europe's Future Competitiveness"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, International Conference on "Green Markets - World of Sustainable Products", Berlin

26/09/2011: "Strengthening the role of civil society in the accession process"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, 3rd Annual Meeting of the NGOs Environment Forum, Brussels

23/09/2011: The 2012 UN conference on sustainable development (Rio+20): preparatory work by the European Union European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, Plenary Debate Brussels, 22 September 2011

23/09/2011: "REACH: we are succeeding"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, REACH Conference Brussels, 23 September 2011

19/09/2011: "Resource challenges for Europe"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, Second World Resources Forum Davos, 19 September 2011

12/09/2011: "We need to transform our economies"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, Opening ceremony of the ICLEI European Convention - Cities in Europe 2020, Brussels

07/09/2011: "Sharing good ideas and practices is vital if we want our cities to change for the better"

Speech by Commissioner Janez POTOČNIK, Official opening of the "Train of Ideas – Visions for Future Cities" in Brussels

22/07/2011: Speech by Janez Potočnik: "On the Road Again" – But with a new Roadmap

Informal Competitiveness Council Sopot, Poland, 22 July 2011

15/06/2011: Speech by Janez Potočnik: "Achieving our objectives by effective implementation"

Stakeholder Conference on the Communication on Implementation, Brussels

10/06/2011: Speech by Janez Potočnik: "Resource Efficiency: societal challenge and societal opportunity"

Conference on the Common Strategic Framework for Research & Innovation, Brussels

08/06/2011: Speech by Janez Potočnik: "One World – Europe's stance on sustainability and global advancement"

Global Do-It-Yourself Summit by the European DIY Retail Association (EDRA), Brussels

01/06/2011: Speech by Janez Potočnik: "Improving air quality – how shipping can help"

Maritime Stakeholder event "Clean air at sea – promoting solutions for sustainable and competitive shipping", Brussels

27/05/2011: Speech by Janez Potočnik: "Resource efficiency – the next revolution"

Closing address at Green Week 2011, Brussels

24/05/2011: Speech by Janez Potočnik: "Resource efficiency – Using less, living better"

Opening address at Green Week 2011, Brussels

19/05/2011: Speech by Janez Potočnik: "Reaching for resource efficiency and innovation in the chemicals sector"

Chemicals Forum, Helsinki

11/05/2011: Speech by Janez Potočnik: "No sustainable development without better governance and a green economy"

EU High level side event at CSD-19, "Leveraging financial resources for the green economy", New York

11/05/2011: Speech by Janez Potočnik: "Towards a global transition to a green economy"

Keynote speech at the official opening of the Commission on Sustainable Development -19 Ministerial Segment, New York

06/05/2011: Speech by Janez Potočnik: "Industrial disasters can be prevented by better implementation of EU law"

Budapest, Civic Seminar in the Shadow of Industrial Catastrophe

29/04/2011: Speech by Janez Potočnik: "How conservation might evolve over the next 50 years"

WWF's 50th Anniversary, Zürich

15/04/2011: Speech by Janez Potočnik: "Our cities can combine economic growth and environmental protection"

Opening of the "Train of Ideas – Visions for Future Cities", Altona, Train station, Hamburg

08/04/2011: "Using democracy to safeguard the environment"

General assembly of the 66th International Session of the European Youth Parliament in Greece, Athens.

08/04/2011: "Let's keep the Mediterranean litter-free"

Joint plastic MED event with Commissioner Damanaki on the protection of the Mediterranean Sea, Athens.

07/04/2011: "Now is not the time to put the environment in the back seat"

Special Standing Committee on European Affairs and Special Permanent Committee on Environmental Protection, Athens.

31/03/2011: Speech by Janez Potočnik: "Towards policies for resource efficiency"

Belgian Federal Council for Sustainable Development, Brussels

29/03/2011: Speech by Janez Potočnik: "What kind of growth for Europe?"

Parliamentary hearing with European and Environment Committees of the Chamber of Deputies and the Italian Senate, Rome

28/03/2011: Statement on Greening Europe's transport sector

The Commission is working on redefining Europe's transport policy away from unsustainable patterns, towards an overall more resource efficient approach. It is not only about efficient transport, but also about the efficient use of resources, including energy, land and water in the transport sector. With its White Paper on Transport adopted today, the Commission commits for the first time to greenhouse gas reduction targets in the field of Transport. By 2050, total emissions in the EU transport sector should be 60% less compared with figures in 1990. We are now officially moving towards greening Europe's transport sector.

Well-functioning passenger and freight links are vital for European commerce and citizens. Of course transport is primarily about moving people and goods - in line with two of the four underlying principles of the EU internal market. But transport also causes nuisance to the environment, our health and to our quality of life, through higher levels of pollution, noise and congestion. These impacts need to be minimised, while improving mobility. Air pollution – particularly fine particle pollution – is estimated to account for some 5 million lost years of life each year in 32 countries monitored by the European Environment Agency. Also, a UK study shows that 60% of everyday personal transport consists of one person driving a car alone.

Transport is not the same as mobility, which is a much broader concept. The ideal scenario would be to reach more and better mobility in Europe with less transport, by making the system more resource-efficient. Mobility is like freedom - you are constrained by the mobility of others. Public transport, cleaner means of transport and more human-powered transport for the short intra-urban distances should bring us to respecting mobility of others and developing a more resource-efficient transport. Also, travelling with others is more fun than travelling alone.

With today's White Paper we now have a clear vision for the future of transport in Europe. Now we need to show through action that this vision can be achieved. For me, the main points of focus should be to ensure the prices we pay for transport are right (smart pricing), so that we create the right incentives to citizens and commerce; and to avoid locking-in technologies and infrastructure.

25/03/2011: Speech by Janez Potočnik: "Future of European Waters"

European waters Conference, Gödöllő (Budapest)

22/03/2011: Speech by Janez Potočnik: Towards making 2013 a "Year of Air"

EP evening event "Air quality in European Cities" (organised by EEB and German member BUND), Brussels

18/03/2011: Speech by Janez Potočnik: "Today's urban Europe deserves the right facilities to clean up waste water"

Inauguration of a waste water treatment facility in Brumagne Namur, Belgium

15/03/2011: Speech by Janez Potočnik: "The future CAP must be green"

The 4th Forum of the Future of Agriculture, Brussels

14/03/2011: Statement by Commissioner Janez Potočnik at the Environment Council on Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami

As environment ministers we are usually concerned with the beauty of nature and how to protect it. But on Friday we had a terrible reminder of the destructive power of nature when one of the biggest earthquakes recorded in history hit the North Eastern part of Japan; followed by a large tsunami, causing deaths and severe damage, and impacting many regions in Japan.

10/03/2011: Speech by Janez Potočnik: Measuring green growth and natural capital - the importance of statistics in environment policy

Plenary session of the Eurostat Conference, Brussels

03/03/2011: Statement on the occasion of the launch of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators in Slovenia

I welcome the opening of the first European agency based in Slovenia, which thus becomes a central point for the creation of the internal energy market in Europe. This will undoubtedly contribute to the visibility of our country on the map of Europe.
Energy supply and its efficient management are among the key challenges for the EU and globally. Answers to the questions on the way of production, distribution and storage of energy have a significant impact on the quality of our lives and of the environment. They are crucial for our future.
I wish the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators good results and every success in its work.

22/02/2011: Speech by Janez Potočnik: "Towards the Green Economy"

26th UNEP Governing Council – Global Ministerial Environment Forum, Nairobi (Kenya)

08/02/2011: Speech by Commissioner Janez Potočnik: "A more efficient clean up of the ship recycling industry"

Launch of the photo exhibition "Broken" organised by the NGO Shipbreaking Platform, Brussels

31/01/2011: Speech by Commissioner Janez Potočnik: "Why cohesion and environment policy are natural partners"

Fifth Cohesion Forum, Workshop on "Sustainable Growth", Brussels

26/01/2011: Towards a more resource efficient Europe

Launch by Commissioner Potocnik of the Commission Flagship initiative of the Europe 2020 Strategy: "A resource-efficient Europe", Brussels.

19/01/2011: Don't waste waste! Visit to UMICORE precious metal recycling plant and INDAVER sorting plant, Hoboken & Willebroeck, Belgium

First I'd like to say thanks to Marc and Ronnie for letting us use their facilities today and for all of their help in making today's event happen. And thanks to UMICORE for helping me get rid of my old mobile phone!
It is not by chance that we chose to bring everyone here. The work that you do here shows us all how we can start looking at waste differently.
There is a division in Europe today; a division between those who see waste as a problem and those who see it as a resource.

18/01/2011: Statement by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik following today's debate in College on air quality

Today the Commission had a debate on how best to deal with the issue of air quality in the short and long term. Measures addressing air pollution extend beyond environmental policies. Actions taken in many other policy areas, such as transport, energy, or agriculture, are crucial to their effectiveness.

17/01/2011: Statement by Commissioner Potočnik on the wolf hunt in Sweden

I regret that Sweden has begun the licensed hunting of wolves without giving clear answers to my letter sent on 7 December 2010. We have been in intensive dialogue with the Swedish government, which has been aware of the Commission's concerns about the legality of the hunt for a long time. The actions of the Swedish authorities leave me with little choice other than to propose to the Commission that it begin formal proceedings against Sweden for breach of EU environmental law. I hope that the Swedish government's promised effort to address the unfavourable conservation status of the wolf population in Sweden through translocation of wolves from other parts of Europe will be pursued without delay.

07/01/2011: Statement by Janez Potočnik, European Commissioner for Environment, on the issue of conservation of the wolf in Sweden

In view of the recent extensive media coverage of this issue in Sweden, I wish to clarify the position of the European Commission on the subject of licensed hunting of the wolf in Sweden.

30/11/2010: The State of the European Environment Launch of the State of the European Environment Report 2010 by the European Environment Agency European Parliament, Brussels

First, I would like to thank Jackie McGlade and her team at the European Environment Agency for the report. 'The European Environment – State and Outlook 2010' is an extensive and invaluable piece of work.
When I look at the report – and don't worry I won't be trying match Jackie's encyclopaedic knowledge of it – I can see the positives, those more mixed results and of course those areas where there is still much for us to do.
I can see where it is coming from – and I see it in the context of the wider environment 'story'.

30/11/2010: A European Vision for the Oceans and Seas, European Marine Equipment Council (EMEC), Place Atomium, Brussels

I'm delighted to have been given the chance to come and talk to you tonight and for the chance to dust down my evening suit!
Seriously though, EMEC is an impressive organisation, fronting a heavyweight industry of nearly 300,000 people, with nearly half a million more employed indirectly in the sector.
Shipping and ships are big, big business. And EMEC makes waves…
…the right kind of waves.

29/11/2010: Towards resource efficient growth – the role of manufacturing European Forum for Manufacturing Roundtable European Parliament, Brussels

The Importance of manufacturing
One out of four jobs in the private sector in the European Union is in manufacturing. Together – manufacturing, and its associated industries and business services – account for more than a third (37 %) of our GDP. The sector accounts for three-quarters of our exports. These figures speak for themselves: manufacturing is an essential part of Europe's economy. It is often said – but still true – that it is the "engine of growth".

30/11/2010: Statement on the decision taken by ICCAT regarding the 2011 quota for Atlantic bluefin tuna

The decision of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) to set the 2011 quota for Atlantic bluefin tuna at 12,900 tonnes, only 600 tonnes less than the 2010 quota, was not what we hoped for.

26/11/2010: Statement by Commissioner Janez Potočnik on the ongoing waste crisis in Campania (Italy)

I have received a preliminary report from the delegation that visited Campania this week. The report confirms that the measures needed to execute the ruling issued by the European Court of Justice in March are not yet in place.

26/11/2010: Europe Environment Policy: what's next?, Brussels

Session 7 – Closing debate at the conference "Towards a genuine 7th Environmental Action Plan"
I would first like to thank the Belgian Presidency for their hard work over the last year. This has been a great help, both in evaluating the 6th Environmental Action Programme and in looking at the next steps.
Thank you also for providing two questions for orientation of today's debate – they are actually very interrelated.
You know I want a full and wide assessment of the 6th EAP, the future environmental challenges, and on the best ways to tackle them.
I am also in favour of a strong European environment policy. One which improves the quality of life for Europeans, but which does so in a global context.

18/11/2010: Statement on the proposals for CAP reform

Today Commissioner Ciolos presented a Communication on the future of the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP). In his own words, the aim is to make the CAP 'greener, fairer, more efficient and more effective'.

16/11/2010: Speech by Janez Potočnik: Towards Sustainable Fishing, Conference on the Common Fisheries Policy Reform, Brussels

Let me say thank you, Maria, for the invitation to today's event.
I know your job isn't easy. And I know you have shown a great deal of political courage and determination.
This event shows just how right you are to take the issue so seriously. This reform is a necessity. The current fisheries policy in many respects has to be improved.
But we need more than realisation when we discuss future fisheries policies – we need foresight, an open attitude and we need to speak to the people who can change things. This is why we are here – coincidentally one day before the beginning of ICCAT in Paris…our timing is really good.

11/11/2010: Statement on Bluefin Tuna

The Commission this week adopted a proposal for the EU position on bluefin tuna at the upcoming meeting (17-27 November) of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). At the meeting, ICCAT Parties will be called to agree on a bluefin tuna recovery plan for the period 2011-2013.

08/11/2010: Speech by Janez Potočnik: Marine litter: from shelf to shore, Workshop on marine litter, Brussels

Marine litter is a big, big problem.
The UNEP has called it a "dire, vast and growing threat".
'Growing' is the important word here. It is not only big, it is not going away either.
And of course it is not only in the Pacific Ocean. It is a problem in all our seas and oceans. We have all heard about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch which is perhaps the biggest and the most infamous. But you can find the same plastic mess in the seas bordering Europe – and on Europe's coasts.

27/10/2010: Statement by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik on the ongoing negotiations at the COP10 Conference on Biological Diversity in Nagoya, Japan

Let me start by first stating that nobody should question the EU’s commitment to making these talks a success. The EU has for a long time been the world’s leading financial donor in the battle against biodiversity loss. Since 2002 we have contributed almost 9 billion euro to this crucial cause.

23/10/2010 : Statement by Janez Potočnik, Commissioner for Environment, on the waste situation in Campania, Italy

The European Commission is closely monitoring the waste management situation in Campania. It notes that the current situation is very close to the crisis which exploded in 2007, and which led the European Commission to open an infringement procedure against the Italian Republic.

27/10/2010: Statement by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik on the ongoing negotiations at the COP10 Conference on Biological Diversity in Nagoya, Japan

Let me start by first stating that nobody should question the EU’s commitment to making these talks a success. The EU has for a long time been the world’s leading financial donor in the battle against biodiversity loss. Since 2002 we have contributed almost 9 billion euro to this crucial cause.

23/10/2010 : Statement by Janez Potočnik, Commissioner for Environment, on the waste situation in Campania, Italy

The European Commission is closely monitoring the waste management situation in Campania. It notes that the current situation is very close to the crisis which exploded in 2007, and which led the European Commission to open an infringement procedure against the Italian Republic.

Speech at the GLOBE Europe workshop ahead of Nagoya in the Slovenian National Assembly, Ljubljana (in Slovenian)

Green Dot 2010 – Green Economy in Action Square – Brussels Meeting Centre, Brussels

Janez Potočnik European Commissioner for Environment, Regional Environmental Network for Accession, SOFITEL BRUSSELS, LE LOUISE

"Europe: Looking ahead on climate change", GREEN ALLIANCE CONFERENCE, London

Wales Biodiversity Partnership Annual Conference Keynote speech Welsh Assembly Government Bangor University, Bangor, North Wales

"Concepts and Conservation of Natural Capital – issues for conserving global biodiversity by 2050" Cambridge Conservation Initiative University of Cambridge, Judge Business School

Belgian Presidency Conference: "Resource Efficient Bio-economy" Conference dinner at the Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium for Science and the Arts: Knowledge Based BioEconomy towards 2020 - Turning challenges into opportunities, Brussels

"Think European – Act Regional" FEDARENE's 20th Anniversary Keynote Speech Committee of the Regions, Brussels

Belgian Presidency Conference: "Biodiversity in a Changing World", International Convention Centre Van Rysselberghedreef, Citadelpark, Ghent

"The Water Challenge", Bled Strategic Forum 2010, organised by the Centre for European Perspective Bled (Slovenia), 30 August 2010

Smith School World Forum on Enterprise & the Environment, Oxford

"Resource efficiency – good for business, good for Europe's competitiveness and good for our planet", Annual Retail Forum "Retail contribution to a sustainable EU 2020 strategy", Brussels

Cohesion Policy Contribution to a More Resource Efficient, Greener and Competitive Economy

"Speech at the Conference "Regions for Economic Change - Building Sustainable Growth", Brussels

The marine environment is not an aquarium!

Speech at the 3rd European Maritime Day - political plenary session on "Sustainability, Science and Innovation" in Gijón, Spain.

Speech at the European Parliament, Intergroup on Water

Speech at the Opening of the Exhibition

Speech at the Opening of the Exhibition "Voda: naše upanje." ("Water: our hope."/ "L'Eau, notre espérance")

Speech: Stockholm, European Green Capital 2010

Role Model for Europe Seminar on sustainable urban development (Committee of the Regions), Brussels, 4 May 2010

Speech

Resource efficiency as a driver for greening the economy, Conference "Enriching the Planet - Empowering Europe", The Hague

Biodiversity and extraction industries

Speech at the European Mineral Forum Dinner Debate (at the European Parliament), Brussels

Opening Speech

Opening Speech European Parliament ENVI Committee Annual Structured Dialogue

Speech

Speech to the ECHA Stakeholders Conference, Helsinki

Resource efficiency as a driver for growth and jobs

Speech at the 2010 Jean Jacques Rousseau Lecture, Brussels

Our seas are sick - can knowledge and innovation provide the cure?

Speech at the Closing session of Euromares 2010 on the occasion of the European Maritime Day, Gijón

Can the CAP bring considerable benefits to our environment?

Speech at the 3rd Forum for the Future of Agriculture - The Economics and Politics of Food Security vs. Climate Change, Brussels

Speech

Speech at the launch of the Black Sea Synergy Environment Partnership

Next steps in EU environmental policy

Speech at the Committee of the Regions, Commission on Environment, Climate Change and Energy, Round table discussion, Brussels

Speeches

October 2014

16/10/2014: "Nature based solutions are often also the cheapest solutions"

10/10/2014: "We need to escape the handcuffs of GDP"

September 2014

29/09/2014: Speech at the conference of national coordinators of Eco-school programme, Brdo pri Kranju, Slovenia (in Slovene)

04/09/2014: “The growth path we are following is not the right one”

August 2014

26/08/2014: Presentation at the 14th Congress of European Association of Agricultural Economists in Ljubljana

July 2014

02/07/2014: Speaking points by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik on Circular Economy

June 2014

25/06/2014: "Green capitals – spreading the green message"

19/06/2014: 'They ain't making it any more': managing our land sustainably'

14/06/2014: "ZOTKINI TALENTI"

10/06/2014: "Learning to live with the wolf"

06/06/2014: "Changing mindsets"

04/06/2014: "Virtuous Circles"

03/06/2014: "We need a new revolution"

May 2014

26/05/2014: "Fewer forests in our cars"

22/05/2014: "From reliable, high-quality information on ecosystems and their services to better protection of biodiversity"

09/05/2014: "Slovenia in the EU - 10 years after the accession" (speech in Slovene)

April 2014

10/04/2014: "Our fight against wildlife trafficking"

08/04/2014: "Our role models and their outstanding environmental contribution"

07/04/2014: "Role of the EU Industry to lead the green economy"

07/04/2014: "Eco-innovation and Circular Economy"

March 2014

21/03/2014: Speech at the ACER (Catalan Association of Research Institutions)

20/03/2014: "The role of forests in tomorrow's world"

06/03/2014: "Working together for a better future and quality of our lives, within the limits of our planet"

03/03/2014: "Together we can save our seas"

February 2014

14/02/2014: Presentation of European Commission 2014 Work Programme and the achievements of the mandate (only in Slovene)

13/02/2014: A New Global Partnership: European Civil Society Positions on the Post-2015 Framework

December 2013

12/12/2013: "The Nature of Italy: Biodiversity and Protected Areas: the Green Economy for restarting the Country"

10/12/2013: "Clean air for all - all for clean air"

03/12/2013: "Environmental challenges need both global and local solutions"

02/12/2013: "Why protect nature?"

November 2013

27/11/2013: "Environment and human rights III: Responsibility of the state for the remediation of polluted environment"

22/11/2013: "Water: the need for innovation is urgent"

25/11/2013: "Resource efficiency as a condition for the competitiveness of the economy"

07/11/2013: "We need a revolution"

05/11/2013: "Are we moving to a resource efficient future"

05/11/2013: "The Benefits of Green Infrastructure"

05/11/2013: "Why do we need Ecolabels"

October 2013

25/10/2013: "The future European economy"

21/10/2013: "A European Strategy for Shale"

18/10/2013: "The world won’t wait for elections"

15/10/2013: "If you think the economy is more important than the environment, try holding your breath while counting your money"

09/10/2013: "Investing in nature is investing in our future"

02/10/2013: "Valuing Scotland’s resources: priorities for today and for a sustainable future"

September 2013

30/09/2013: "Opting in for Innovation, on our road towards Resource Efficiency"

30/09/2013: Plastic: "let’s keep the Fantastic and get rid of the Drastic"

13/09/2013: "Protecting our rivers is a sound economic and environmental investment"

July 2013

18/07/2013: "The frog does not drink up the pond in which it lives"

June 2013

28/06/2013: Speech at the Pregl award ceremony and at the opening of the Pregl Research Centre

25/06/2013: "Moving towards a resource efficient, green economy in the Danube Region"

20/06/2013: "New Environmentalism"

14/06/2013: "The importance of green cities"

07/06/2013: "Only one air"

04/06/2013: "Cleaner Air for All: Policies for Europe and beyond"

May 2013

27/05/2013: Speech: "Environment or Economy: Can we have both?"

24/05/2013: Speech: "Developing innovative solutions to our water challenges"

16/05/2013: Speech: "The importance of a holistic approach to key resources"

14/05/2013: Speech: "Shale gas in Europe - being consistent with a low carbon economy, managing health and environmental risks"

April 2013

23/04/2013: Speech: "Towards Green Growth: Seizing Business Opportunities"

17/04/2013: Speech: "The only way forward is a sustainable economy"

17/04/2013: Speech: "Cities will define our future"

12/04/2013: Speech: "Let's Free our Oceans from this Plague"

04/04/2013: Speech: "A throw away economy cannot be competitive"