This document summarizes the progress of the EU4Environment initiative in 2020, despite challenges from the Covid-19 pandemic. It notes that work plans have been implemented well with excellent response from partner countries. Activities have been linked to Covid-19 economic recovery plans and new virtual modes of operation have been adopted. Examples of progress are provided, such as training over 100 experts online in specialized environmental topics and supporting over 80 SMEs to consider resource efficiency as part of their Covid-19 recovery strategies.

1. Introduction by Implementing Partners
Second meeting of the Regional Assembly, 22 September 2020

2. • 2019: launch and set up of EU4Environment
• Nominations of National Focal Points and setting up
Partners’ teams
• Six launching events (March-April) and the Inaugural
Regional Assembly (June)
• Adoption of six country-specific and regional work plans
(September)
• Progressive launch of national and regional activities
• 2020: Implementation in new realities
• Progress on national and regional activities
• Adjustments in the context of unprecedented challenge of
the Covid-19 pandemic
• Six virtual country consultations (May-July)
• Second Regional Assembly meeting (22 September)

3.  Good progress on implementation of
EU4Environment work plans, despite challenging
environment, e.g. strict confinement measures,
travel bans
 Excellent response from EaP countries to pursue
the activities
 Link of activities with Covid-19 recovery measures
 New modes of operations and reinforcement of
communication with countries
 Need to accelerate and transform challenges into
opportunities, esp. in the context of “GREENING”
COVID-19 ECONOMIC RESPONSE plans and
measures

4. • Greening support to SMEs in several countries
• Draft secondary implementing legislation on EIA and SEA in Azerbaijan aligned with international standards;
• Detailed review of the EIA and SEA legislation in the Republic of Moldova completed;
• Over 140 participants in several countries trained on the application of SEA
• Translation on an introductory course on the Green Economy into 6 national languages, with a view for the
course to be hosted and promoted by national civil servant training bodies and curricula;
• Learning needs compiled for an in-depth training on Green Economy policy development, nearly 40 civil
servants from a range of government agencies have been nominated to participate
• Over 100 experts trained on-line on specialized topics (EMS and EnM) on RECP
• Over 80 SMEs are considering their resource efficiency practices as an essential part of COVID-19 recovery
strategies through RECP clubs and assessments
• Update of analysis on fossil-fuel subsidies in six countries
• Launch of several communication channels (Web site, Newsletter, country profiles)
Selected examples from the Implementing Partners work