Jill Evans MEP, member of the European Parliament’s Environment Committee, today criticised Tony Blair and other EU leaders for failing to endorse a comprehensive Sustainable Development Strategy and the so-called Cardiff Process at the EU summit in Gothenburg today. European Union leaders, committed themselves at the Cardiff EU summit in 1998, to integrate environmental considerations into all EU policy areas as a first step towards sustainable development.

Speaking at a conference on Sustainable Development in Gothenburg, Jill Evans, representing Plaid Cymru the Party of Wales - and the only MEP from Wales at the Summit - criticised Tony Blair for undermining the Cardiff process. She said:

"Tony Blair and the other heads of states have today delayed a process that has been rolling for three years. I reject their argument that due to lack of time, they were unable to endorse this crucial document. Where there’s a will there’s a way!"

"Representing Wales, I feel a duty to ensure that what was decided at the Welsh capital three years ago is not jeopardised. Cardiff is becoming a synonym for sustainable development on a European level. The process that was started at the EU summit in Cardiff in 1998 would oblige decision makers on the European level to make sustainable development central to all policy areas. But words need to be replaced by action."

"By failing to endorse the clear targets and timetable set out by the Commission and the European Parliament, Tony Blair and the other heads of state send out the wrong message to the rest of the world. This lack of will could derail the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002."

"I also call on Tony Blair and the other heads of states to ensure that sustainability becomes a part of everyday language. This requires the full consent and active support of the people. After all sustainable development is about people: their economic, social and environmental needs and responsibilities. It connects the local with the global when it comes to good management of our natural heritage, and that is not restricted to purely environmental criteria.

"EU leaders made the commitment to sustainability in Cardiff in 1998. They must not let us down now. Cardiff and Wales have a role to play in ensuring that these commitments are adhered to."

Diwedd/Ends.