ENVI Committee: the Irish Council Presidency's priorities presented to the MEPs by Minister O'Brien

“Greater policy integration will be absolutely essential to building resilience across biodiversity, climate and water,” said Darragh O'Brien, Irish Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, during his meeting with the European Parliament's ENVI Committee, on 1 September 2026.

During the exchange, O'Brien outlined the priorities of Ireland's eighth Presidency of the European Council, structured around the pillars of competitiveness, values and security, with policy anchored in the EU's strategic framework to 2029.

On the environment, he outlined plans to advance a climate-neutral and circular economy, progress the ETS review and post-2030 emissions framework, and strengthen marine and water protection ahead of a proposed EU Ocean Act, while coordinating EU positions at COP31…