Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Maria Panayiotou underlined the significance of Thursday’s EU Environment Council in Luxembourg as the culmination of the Cyprus Presidency’s six-month work in the environment sector, in statements made upon her arrival at Council, the last to be held under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. ‘I look forward to a constructive discussion to conclude the Cyprus Presidency’s environmental work on a strong and forward-looking note,’ Panayiotou said.
‘This is the last Environment Council under the Cyprus Presidency here in Luxembourg. Over the past six months, we have worked with determination to deliver under our Presidency’s motto, an autonomous Union, open to the world, and I’m very proud of the work we have done, of what we have achieved during these six months,’ the Minister added.
Referring to the Presidency’s specific achievements, Panayiotou noted that the Council, during the Cyprus Presidency, reached agreements on the Market Stability Reserve (MSR) for ETS2 and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). ‘We have made significant progress on the environmental omnibus, on the proposal on CO2 standards for cars and vans. We have advanced implementation of the water resilience strategy. We have secured a Council conclusion on the bioeconomy strategy, and today we will build on the work that has been done,’ she stressed.
Regarding Thursday’s agenda, the Minister said the Council ‘will take stock of key priorities on advancing CO2 standards for cars and vans. We will highlight how a nature-based economy is essential for competitiveness. We will exchange views on the chemicals legislative framework and we will enhance the implementation of the water resilience strategy and, of course, Europe’s leadership in the next COP31.’
Panayiotou reiterated the philosophy underpinning the Cyprus Presidency’s environmental work, stressing the need for the green transition to go hand in hand with competitiveness. ‘Throughout our Presidency, we have worked in a way to ensure that the green transition and environmental protection are in line with competitiveness and economic resilience. Therefore, throughout today’s discussion, we want to highlight how we can stay on track towards climate neutrality while addressing the challenges of a rapidly changing world,’ she said.
Concluding her statements, the Minister expressed hope for a constructive discussion that would mark the conclusion of the Presidency’s environmental work.