Press Release: Montreal Protocol: one of the most successful environmental agreements celebrates its 20th anniversary

From 16 to 21 September 2007 representatives from the 191 countries party to the Montreal Protocol will celebrate 20 years of success in protecting the ozone layer. Taking place in Montreal the celebrations will mark the important achievements made by the Protocol such as the phasing out of about 95% of the ozone-depleting substances under the agreement. The European Union and its Member States continue to play a leading role in the success of the Protocol. The ambitious policies they have put in place often go beyond the requirements of the Protocol and the EU consistently pushes for tougher controls at international level. Despite these achievements the ozone layer is not expected to recover until some time between 2060 and 2075 and perhaps even later. The timely recovery of the ozone layer remains heavily dependent on agreed commitments being met and new challenges being tackled.