Informal meeting of Environment and Climate ministers

The meeting will bring together EU ministers responsible for environment and climate-related policies, providing a high-level political forum for open and forward-looking discussions on Europe’s water and climate resilience.

Set against the backdrop of increasing water scarcity and intensifying climate impacts, the informal council will focus on how legislation and finance can better align European climate and water resilience policies. Discussions will centre on the effective implementation of the European Water Resilience Strategy, the development of the new European Climate Adaptation Plan, and the integration of water resilience across key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, energy and climate legislation, ensuring coherence and complementarity across EU policies.

During the informal council, ministers will have the opportunity to reflect on the European Union’s experience in international climate negotiations, drawing lessons from COP30. Ministers will exchange views on how the EU can strengthen its effectiveness in global climate processes, enhance internal coordination, and better translate political ambition into tangible outcomes on the ground.

In addition, the informal council will address key challenges related to the circular economy, building on the European Commission’s Winter Package presented in December 2025. Discussions will focus on plastics recycling, market conditions for recycled materials, regulatory coherence, and the path towards the upcoming Circular Economy Act, with the aim of supporting investment, innovation and long-term circularity across the Union.

Alongside the political discussions, the programme will provide an opportunity for informal exchanges of views in a local setting, combining discussions on environmental challenges with visits linked to the environment, rural landscapes and cultural heritage.

Agenda highlights

Bringing together EU ministers, ministers from European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, the European Commission and key European organisations, the meeting will be an opportunity for a constructive exchange of views and experiences, highlighting environmental and climate challenges, strengthening a common approach and enhancing EU resilience.

On 5 February, delegates will participate in a field visit, followed by a presentation on Cyprus’ tailored carbon sequestration quantification methodology and a walking tour of Lefkara village, concluding with a traditional dinner.

On 6 February, ministers will convene in Lefkosia for the informal meeting. The first plenary session will explore how legislation and financial instruments can better support the alignment of climate and water resilience policies. The session will begin with a presentation by the Executive Director of the European Environment Agency, Ms Leena Ylä-Mononen, followed by an exchange of views among Ministers and the two Commissioners responsible for environment and climate.

The second session will focus on the EU’s role and leadership in international climate negotiations, with the aim of identifying potential adjustments to secure improved outcomes in the future.

During the ministers’ working lunch, the Cyprus Institute will present on proactive, knowledge-driven climate resilience, with a focus on water scarcity and wildfires.

The meeting will conclude with an afternoon session on EU member states’ expectations regarding the New Circular Economy Act and the recent Winter Package, followed by a press conference by the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr Maria Panayiotou, the Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Ms Jessika Roswall, and the Commissioner for Climate Action, Mr Wopke Hoekstra.

Read more: Environment and Climate Ministers: Strengthening Europe’s resilience, competitiveness and global credibility through coordinated EU action

Information for journalists:

To access the event venue, all media representatives must be accredited and have obtained verified badges. Accreditation is available exclusively through the Cyprus EU Presidency accreditation platform.