EEA Head: Immediate Action Needed for Environmental Goals

The Executive Director of the European Environment Agency (EEA), Leena Ylä-Mononen, emphasized from Cyprus the need for immediate action to achieve environmental goals. During the presentation of the report "Europe’s Environment 2025" in Nicosia, she warned that Europe is not on track to achieve these goals.

Ms. Ylä-Mononen stressed that nature is the foundation for human health and well-being, not a luxury. She also expressed the EEA's readiness to support the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU by providing relevant information.

The Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panagiotou, highlighted the importance of cooperation with the EEA and presented the priorities of the Cypriot Presidency, with an emphasis on the circular economy and water resilience.

The "Europe’s Environment 2025" report presents a mixed picture, with progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and premature deaths from air pollution, but also a deterioration of biodiversity and pressures on water resources. Climate change is accelerating, with Europe being the fastest warming continent.

Ms. Ylä-Mononen referred to Cyprus as an example of the risks of climate change, but also as a model of good practice in water management.