(L-R) Carsten Schneider; Sabine Monauni; Norbert Totschnig; Serge Wilmès; Katrin Schneeberger;
Credit: BMLUK/Hemerka
On Friday 19 June 2026, Luxembourg’s Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity reported on the participation of Minister for the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity, Serge Wilmes, in the annual meeting of the five German-speaking environment ministers, which was held this year in Vienna from Thursday 18 to Friday 19 June.
According to the ministry, at the invitation of the Federal Minister for Agriculture and Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management of the Republic of Austria, Norbert Totschnig, Minister Wilmes, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Environment and Culture of the Principality of Liechtenstein, Sabine Monauni, the Minister for the Environment, Climate Protection, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety of the Federal Republic of Germany, Carsten Schneider, as well as the Director of the Federal Office for the Environment of the Swiss Confederation, Katrin Schneeberger, met to exchange views on current environmental issues and the challenges of climate policy.
The discussions focused primarily on international cooperation in environmental and climate protection, as well as on preparations for upcoming United Nations climate and biodiversity conferences. Participants stressed the importance of rigorous implementation of agreed objectives and close cooperation at European and international levels.
Emphasis was also placed on climate protection, biodiversity and nature conservation. It was unanimously recognised that the transition to climate neutrality must go hand in hand with the development of renewable energy sources and the preservation of natural habitats. The implementation of the EU regulation on the restoration and conservation of degraded ecosystems was also discussed.
The ministers also exchanged views on the sustainable economy. Bioeconomy and measures to reduce plastic waste were central topics of discussion. It was highlighted that sustainable solutions not only protect the environment and climate, but can also promote innovation, value creation and employment.
The impact of current geopolitical developments on environmental and climate policies was also addressed. Topics such as the supply of critical raw materials for green technologies, as well as the security implications of climate change, underline the need for close international cooperation.
“Wars and the energy crisis are shaping our reality today and have immediate negative impacts on biodiversity and the environment as a whole. It is precisely for this reason that we must act together with determination, solidarity and foresight in order to protect and strengthen our natural resources in a sustainable way,” said Minister Wilmes during the discussions.
