Portuguese Presidency: Exchanges with the Environment and Agriculture ministers
On 25 and 26 January, ENVI Members held an exchange of views with the Portuguese Minister of Environment and Climate Action, Mr João Pedro Matos Fernandes, and with the Portuguese Minister for Agriculture, Ms. Maria do Céu Antunes. The debate focused on the priorities of the Portuguese Council Presidency for the next six months.
Promoting the EU as a leader in climate action is one of the main goals of the Portuguese Presidency and approving the first European Climate Law will be central in this effort.
Portugal will also promote innovation, digital transformation and sustainable management of countryside's natural resources, including by prioritizing the on-going negotiations on the reform of the common agricultural policy.
On health, Portugal aims at facilitate increased cooperation between Member States, supporting the measures needed to increase the response capability of health services to threats to public health. On 4 February, the Portuguese Minister of Health, Ms Marta Temido, will present these priorities to the ENVI Committee.
Portugal took over the Presidency from Germany on 1 January 2021 and it forms a presidency trio together with Germany (outgoing) and Slovenia (incoming).