Minister O'Brien attends Environment Council in Luxembourg

Constructive meetings held with Commissioners Hoekstra and Roswall

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O'Brien, today attended the Environment Council meeting in Luxembourg. Topics under discussion included preparation for COP30 in Brazil, the Clean Industrial Deal, and agreeing a Council position to improve the circularity of End-of-Life Vehicles. The Minister set out Ireland's progress on our circular economy, climate action , and welcomed a discussion on Europe's preparation for COP30.

Minister O'Brien held constructive meetings with EU Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth, Wopke Hoekstra, and Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall, discussing Ireland's focus on these important issues and Ireland's upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union next year.

With Commissioner Hoesktra, the Minister emphasised the importance of a climate framework that delivers Europe's climate ambition in a way that ensures its competitiveness and delivers on jobs and economic growth for all sectors. The Minister assured the Commissioner that Ireland would work in a constructive manner to reach agreement on the revision to the EU climate law once published. The Minister also outlined the real progress we made on energy generation on renewables and the progress for the next year.

With Commissioner Roswall, the Minister noted the climate, competitiveness and strategic autonomy advantages that inspired Ireland to adopt the first national circular economy act in Europe. The Minister stated that he looks forward to working with the Commission and Member States in the preparation of an EU Circular Economy Act, scheduled for publication during the Irish Presidency.

ENDS