CHINA can learn from the environmental mistakes made by European countries, claims Finland's representative in Shanghai.

European countries have great experience to share on environmental protection and environmental burden elimination, said Marja Aspelund, Consul General of Finland.

"We've made mistakes in the past and want to share what we learned with China," said Aspelund.

Aspelund was speaking at a recent China-EU environment forum in the city.

Consular staff from Ireland, Sweden, Slovkia, Finland, Germany and France discussed environmental protection in Europe and international cooperation with China.

Emmanuel Lenain, Consul General of France echoed Aspelund's view.

"We were also very polluted at one time and we have been involved in environmental issues since the 1970s. We want to share with China on a global level," he said.

Consul General of Sweden Viktoria Li said the EU has among the most stringent environmental legislation in the world, enforcing tough water and air quality standards.

"The EU is suffering a series of economic issues so you may ask whether we have time and resources for environmental protection," she said.

"But the question is really, can we afford not to address it?"

"In China, you face the same question," said Li.

Consular staff said EU members work together on environmental issues.

Consul General of Germany Wolfgang Rohr gave the example of the Rhine.

"This is something you can't do alone, and should do with your neighbors because you share the same interests," Rohr.

"We work with France on the Rhine. China should cooperate with its neighbors."

Consular staff expressed concern about China's PM2.5 pollution, tiny particles that can get deep inside the lungs.

"If you have children here, you must be very concerned when the PM2.5 density is high," said Li.

"Maybe we get used to it, but we shouldn't have to."

Consul representatives said clean energy and green cars were the key to reducing PM2.5.

The EU and China have had policy dialogues on water pollution, air quality and sustainable chemical management and have together developed programs such as EU-China Environmental Sustainability Program and China-Europe Water Platform.