Brussels: The Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Dr. Maria Panayiotou, is set to attend the Environment Council of the European Union in Brussels on Thursday, 18 September. The meeting will focus on critical decisions regarding the bloc’s climate commitments.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Ministry has announced that the session will involve an examination of a proposal to amend the European Climate Law. This proposal includes a binding target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040, compared to 1990 levels. The meeting will also discuss updating the EU’s Nationally Determined Contribution for 2035, which will be submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in preparation for the World Climate Conference (COP30) scheduled for November in Belem, Brazil.
The Ministry’s press release highlights that these decisions are intended to direct the future path of the European Union in meeting its climate commitments, enhancing collective efforts to reduce emissions, and adapting effectively to climate change impacts. Additionally, Dr. Panayiotou is set to engage with the Secretariat of the Council to discuss issues related to the forthcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026.
Dr. Panayiotou is expected to return to Cyprus late on Friday afternoon.