The protection and restoration of nature is the basis for the protection of ecosystem services and the sustainable implementation of activities such as agriculture, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Dr. Maria Panayiotou said on Monday in her intervention at the EU Environment Council meeting that took place in Luxembourg.

According to an official press release, in the context of the debate on the European climate goal for 2040,  Panayiotou referred to the need for an effective implementation and development of tools such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism(CBAM), the Innovation Fund as well as the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA).

She also stressed the role of the circular economy in combating climate change since it offers the opportunity to reuse and reduce new production of materials, thus contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Meanwhile, during a working lunch, Ministers exchanged views on the first climate risk assessment report prepared for the European Commission. The Minister underlined the need to support member states with financial tools that will help adapt to the new data created by climate change.