Environment Council

The Environment Council (ENV) is responsible for EU environment policy, including environmental protection, climate action, the sustainable use of resources and the protection of human health.

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The Environment Council brings together ministers responsible for environmental policy to advance sustainability, protect natural resources and promote cooperation on environmental challenges across EU countries.

It also coordinates the EU's action on international environmental matters, especially around climate change.

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Areas of work of the Environment Council

Climate

The Council helps to shape and implement the EU's climate policies, driving efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean energy, and achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

Circular economy

The Council fosters a circular economy by advancing policies that reduce waste, encourage recycling and reuse, and make sustainable production the norm across Europe.

Pollution

The Council takes measures to reduce pollution and protect human health and the environment.

Nature and biodiversity

The Council advances policies to protect nature and biodiversity, ensuring the conservation and restoration of ecosystems and species across member states.

How does the Environment Council work?

The Environment Council is made up of ministers responsible for matters related to climate and the environment from every EU member state. They focus on environmental protection, climate action, the sustainable use of natural resources and the protection of human health.

The Environment Council meets regularly, usually four times a year.

The work of the Environment Council is prepared by a number of specialised working parties and by Coreper I.

Work programme during the Irish presidency

The Irish presidency supports the EU's transition to a sustainable, resource-efficient economy, while advancing its goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

It promotes integrated policies that strengthen biodiversity resilience, while reducing administrative burdens for businesses without compromising environmental and health objectives.

The presidency also aims to promote the responsible and sustainable use of natural resources, and supports multilateralism to address the interconnected crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.