Climate, biodiversity and scientific knowledge at the heart of the European Environment Agency's inaugural visit

At the invitation of the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity, Serge Wilmes, the Executive Director of the European Environment Agency (EEA), Leena Ylä-Mononen, paid a working visit to Luxembourg on 23 and 24 September 2026. This first official visit by the EEA to Luxembourg provided an opportunity to strengthen exchanges between Luxembourg, the Agency and the European Environment Information and Observation Network (Eionet). 

During the visit, Serge Wilmes and Leena Ylä-Mononen discussed the key environmental challenges facing Europe, including climate change, biodiversity conservation and the role of scientific knowledge in shaping public policy. They also addressed Luxembourg's contribution to the work of the EEA and prospects for future cooperation. On this occasion, Serge Wilmes stressed that "environmental and climate challenges transcend national borders" and that only European cooperation based on the sharing of knowledge, experience and expertise will enable the development of robust and sustainable solutions for future generations. 

On 23 September, the EEA delegation met with several European institutional partners based in Luxembourg, including the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Eurostat, as well as Luxembourg representatives involved in the activities of the EEA and the Eionet network. 

The following day, Serge Wilmes opened a conference dedicated to the use of environmental knowledge in public policymaking. National stakeholders from government bodies, the research community, civil society and other relevant sectors had also been invited to take part. Discussions highlighted the importance of reliable data and sound scientific expertise in supporting the ecological transition. On this occasion, Leena Ylä-Mononen presented the missions of the EEA and the activities of the Eionet network. 

Particular attention was given to the flagship report Europe's Environment 2025, the current edition of which includes, for the first time, a national profile on Luxembourg. The profile highlights the country's progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, developing renewable energy, promoting sustainable mobility and advancing the circular economy. It also points to persistent challenges, particularly in relation to transport, biodiversity and water resource quality. 

The discussions confirmed the importance of close cooperation between national and European stakeholders in order to strengthen science-based decision-making and effectively address the environmental challenges of tomorrow. 

Press release by the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity and the European Environment Agency