Agenda of the EU Environment Council, 17 March 2026

CO₂ emission standards for cars and vans

EU environment ministers will hold a policy debate on the amendment to the regulation on CO₂ emission standards for cars and vans. The amendment was presented by the Commission on 16 December 2025 as part of the automotive package.

To support the transition to clean mobility, the Commission proposal introduces flexibilities and technology options for manufacturers to meet their targets. It lowers the 2035 tailpipe emission reduction target from 100% to 90%; the remaining 10% can be compensated through credits for sustainable fuels and the use of low-carbon steel made in the EU.

• Amending regulation on CO2 emission standards for cars and vans 
• Road transport

Climate post-2030

Ministers will discuss decarbonisation efforts in the area of climate post-2030. Following the recent establishment of a binding EU-wide climate target for 2040, the Commission is expected to propose a set of legislative proposals in the second half of this year, to support European industry and citizens in achieving this target. Ministers are expected to exchange views on this upcoming climate package.

• 2040 climate target: Council gives final green light (press release, 5 March 2026)
• European Council conclusions on competitiveness and the twin transition (23 October 2025) 
• Climate change: what the EU is doing

Bioeconomy

Ministers will be invited to approve Council conclusions on the recently adopted EU bioeconomy strategy. Bioeconomy uses renewable biological resources such as plants, animals and microorganisms to produce food, energy and industrial goods.

• Strategy for a competitive and sustainable EU bioeconomy 
• Circular economy (background information)

Global environmental diplomacy

The Council will exchange views on how to enhance EU strategic collaboration and strengthen the EU’s position in global environmental negotiations in a changing geopolitical landscape.

• EU cooperation with the United Nations (background information)

Other business

The Cyprus presidency, together with the Commission, will report on the 12th session of the Plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES-12).

Over lunch, ministers will discuss next steps in EU international climate engagement.

• Global climate action (background information)
• Food and farming

Practical information

• Meeting n°4165
• Location: Brussels

Preparatory documents

• Provisional agenda 
• Background brief