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.

A stylised composition featuring a deer grazing within a circular design that incorporates a leaf texture and a segmented color wheel. Three blue birds are flying to the right, with stars scattered in the background.

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.

Environment Council preparatory bodies

Work programme during the Cyprus presidency

In its role as a policy-maker, the Council is responsible for the adoption, together with the European Parliament, of ambitious environmental legislation that protects natural habitats, keeps air and water clean, ensures proper waste disposal, improves knowledge about toxic chemicals and helps businesses move towards a sustainable economy.

It also makes sure that environmental aspects are properly integrated into other EU policies, such as industry, agriculture, transport, energy and services.

At international level, the EU and its member states aim to ensure that the EU's environmental standards are reflected in international environmental and climate change agreements. In this regard, the Council is responsible for preparing EU positions for international conferences and climate change negotiations.