The European Union Commission has expressed strong support to the amendment of the 1987 Montreal Protocol through a financial contribution to the Ozone Secretariat. 

The Ozone Secretariat Executive Secretary, Tina Birmpili, and the EU's Head of Delegation, Philip Owen, signed an agreement for a financial contribution of €250,000 from the Commission to the Secretariat's activities related to hydroflourocarbons (HFCs) up to the end of 2017.

 The deal was signed yesterday, on the sideline of the on-going 28th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol in Kigali.

 A statement from Ozone Secretariat indicates that the funding will allow; the preparation of briefing papers to enable Parties to hold informed discussions on any decisions they make on HFCs, as well as help developing country (Article 5) Parties' participation in Montreal Protocol meetings. 

The funding will also allow, "2017 communication campaign to raise awareness on HFC issues as well as for the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol.

"From the start, the European Union has promoted an HFC amendment of the Montreal Protocol. With this funding the European Commission continues its support towards efforts to phase down HFCs, which will contribute to mitigating climate change,” the statement said.

 Ozone Secretariat’s Birmpili, stated that "this contribution to the Secretariat facilitates important work on HFCs. It also demonstrates a sincere commitment by the European Commission to ensure a transparent and inclusive process."

The Montreal Protocol meeting taking place at Kigali Convention Centre, will run through October 14, with preparatory sessions having started on October 8.