The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is a global agreement to protect the Earth’s ozone layer by phasing out the chemicals that deplete it. This phase-out plan includes both the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances. The landmark agreement was signed in 1987 and entered into force in 1989.

The parties to the Protocol meet once a year to make decisions aimed at ensuring the successful implementation of the agreement. These include adjusting or amending the Protocol, which has been done six times since its creation. The most recent amendment, the Kigali Amendment, called for the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in 2016. These HFCs were used as replacements for a batch of ozone-depleting substances eliminated by the original Montreal Protocol. Although they do not deplete the ozone layer, they are known to be powerful greenhouse gases and, thus, contributors to climate change.

The Montreal Protocol provided a set of practical, actionable tasks that were universally agreed on. The Protocol has successfully met its objectives thus far and continues to safeguard the ozone layer today. Thanks to the collaborative effort of nations around the world, the ozone layer is well on its way to recovery.

Decision ExIV/1: 2021 contributions to the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol for the triennium 2021–2023

Taking into account the current exceptional circumstances related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, and without setting a precedent,

Recalling decision XXXII/1 on the interim budget for the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol for the triennium 2021–2023,

Noting that the next Meeting of the Parties is expected to take a final decision on the replenishment of the Multilateral Fund, including a revised budget for the triennium 2021–2023, including regular contributions by parties and potential extension of the fixed-exchange-rate mechanism,

Recognizing that contributions to the Multilateral Fund in 2021, before a final decision including a revised budget for the triennium 2021–2023 has been taken by the Meeting of the Parties, would help ensure the continued functioning of the Multilateral Fund during 2021,

Recognizing also that some parties have advised that under their national budgeting processes, contributing to the Multilateral Fund in 2021 requires a decision by a Meeting of Parties stating the level of this contribution,

Noting that any contributions made by parties in advance of a final decision including a revised budget for the Multilateral Fund for the triennium 2021–2023 and of a decision on the potential extension of the fixed-exchange-rate mechanism would count towards the level of contributions to be decided on for the triennium 2021–2023,

  1. To adopt the level of indicative contributions for the parties listed in table A for 2021 on an interim basis in advance of a final decision by the Meeting of the Parties on a revised budget for the Multilateral Fund for the triennium 2021–2023;
  2. That any contributions by parties made in advance of a final decision on the revised budget for the Multilateral Fund for the triennium 2021–2023 shall be without prejudice to the overall level of the replenishment or to the agreed level of contributions by parties.

Table A

Party Amount in United States dollars or in national currency*
Australia AUD 7 833 905
Austria USD 1 814 500
Belgium EUR 2 066 538
Bulgaria USD 113 333
Croatia HRK 1 718 129
Cyprus EUR 100 377
Czechia USD 867 000
Denmark DKK 10 142 404
Estonia EUR 88 795
Finland EUR 1 064 772
France EUR 11 346 191
Germany EUR 14 918 851
Greece EUR 1 099 827
Hungary HUF 115 977 788
Ireland EUR 782 325
Italy EUR 8 751 822
Latvia EUR 116 747
Lithuania EUR 168 171
Luxembourg EUR 149 485
Malta EUR 37 371
Netherlands USD 3 734 833
Poland USD 2 119 500
Norway NOR 18 194 536
New Zealand NZD 957 172
Portugal EUR 915 287
Romania RON 1 941 505
Slovakia EUR 373 558
Slovenia EUR 196 122
Spain EUR 5 704 676
Sweden SEK 21 440 390
Switzerland CHF 3 900 000**
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland USD 11 247 500

* Based on the amounts set out in annex III to the report of the combined eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Vienna Convention and the Twenty-Ninth Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol.

** The amount included in the table for Switzerland is more than the amount set out in annex III to the report of the combined eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Vienna Convention and the Twenty-Ninth Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol.