IEA ministers expand critical minerals mandate, and energy ministers from 54 countries just wrapped up a big meeting in Paris, working together on energy security, supply chains, and climate goals. The event, hosted by the International Energy Agency, ended on February 19, 2026, a

nd turned out to be a key moment, which is a direct response to people worrying about where we get these minerals and how the world’s hunger for energy keeps growing. Dutch Deputy Prime Minister Sophie Hermans led the talks. Over two days, most countries doubled down on their support for clean energy transitions, even though the United States pushed back.

Expanded Global Role and Membership Growth

One of the key results of the meeting was the unanimous invitation issued to Colombia to become the IEA’s 33rd member, alongside the start of Brazil’s membership process. Talks on India’s possible full membership also made progress, while Vietnam became a member of the IEA Family as an Association country.

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol called the meeting the largest ministerial meeting in the IEA’s history, and according to him, the global energy demand is growing, while the challenges to energy systems are also increasing. French President Emmanuel Macron, in a video message to the meeting, commended the IEA’s analytical and technical capabilities in shaping energy security and transition policies globally.

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Majority Reaffirms Clean Energy Transition

A large group of ministers has reaffirmed their commitment to decarbonisation and achieving the climate goals set out in the Paris Agreement, despite pressure from the US to de-emphasise climate action in the agenda of the International Energy Agency (IEA).

As the Minister of the UK, Ed Miliband stated, “Clean energy is going to be the most secure and affordable way for many countries to meet their growing energy needs.” European Commissioner Dan Jørgensen said that renewable energy, electrification, and modern grids should be considered an economic strategic asset that reduces prices and increases consumer protection from supply fluctuations, rather than being regarded as an expense.

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Enhanced Security for Critical Minerals

IEA ministers expand critical minerals mandate and identified a number of risks associated with the concentration of production of critical minerals, as well as export restrictions and insufficient infrastructure for critical mineral processing. The declaration noted the need for enhanced reporting/modernisation of critical minerals data, enhanced emergency preparedness (including stockpiling guidance), and improved collaboration across the supply chain through coordinated investments.

The outcome of these meetings marks a step toward a broader and more collaborative approach to addressing energy security and the impact of climate change at a time of uncertainty across the planet.

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