Highlights 

• On March 17, 2026, a meeting of the European Union Environment Council was held in Brussels. Poland was represented by Deputy Minister Krzysztof Bolesta. 
• During the debate on CO₂ emission standards for vehicles, attention was drawn to the need to lower the emission reduction target for new cars to 90% by 2035 and to introduce additional flexibility mechanisms to support the industry. 
• During the meeting, the need for a fair and economically viable climate policy after 2030, based on predictable mechanisms and technological neutrality, was emphasised. 
• The Council supported the adoption of Council conclusions on the EU Bioeconomy Strategy and discussed issues such as LULUCF, climate resilience, and international cooperation in the area of environmental protection. 

During the debate on amending the regulations on CO₂ emission standards for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, Deputy Minister Krzysztof Bolesta emphasized the need to support the European automotive sector during the transition and to maintain the competitiveness of the EU industry. He also emphasized the need to strengthen the principle of technological neutrality and take into account various pathways leading to emission reductions, as well as the need to introduce additional flexibility mechanisms in achieving targets. 

During the exchange of views on the shape of climate policy after 2030, the Deputy Minister emphasized that the next stage of the transition should be socially fair and economically sustainable. He also advocated for reforming the operation of the Emissions Trading System (ETS), which would protect the EU economy and households from excessive costs.  

Giving industry more time means extending the timeline for achieving net-zero emissions under the EU ETS. This will enable businesses to make the necessary investments without any worries. Equally important are the free permits for industry, which give companies the certainty they need to operate  

– said Krzysztof Bolesta.  

He also emphasised the importance of predictable market mechanisms, including the functioning of the Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS), for the investment decisions made by companies. 
The Deputy Minister also took part in discussions on the EU’s international cooperation on environmental protection, including negotiations on a global agreement to reduce plastic pollution. He emphasised the importance of drawing on scientific knowledge and strengthening international partnerships in the EU’s diplomatic efforts. 

During the meeting, the Council adopted conclusions on the EU bioeconomy strategy. The Deputy Minister highlighted the importance of the bioeconomy for the development of innovative and sustainable value chains and for strengthening the competitiveness of the European economy. 

The meeting also addressed issues relating to the future of land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF), strengthening climate resilience in the EU, and streamlining investment permit procedures. Environmental safety issues relating to the nuclear power plant in Ostrovets, Belarus, were also discussed. The Deputy Minister expressed his support for Lithuania’s position on the need to ensure full transparency and safety in the operation of this facility. 

The participation of Deputy Minister Krzysztof Bolesta in the meeting of the EU Environment Council is an element of Poland's active involvement in shaping European climate and environmental policy, taking into account both climate goals and economic competitiveness and energy security.