Brazil begins process to become a full member of the International Energy Agency

In a strategic move on the global energy scene, Brazil formalized its request for full membership of the International Energy Agency (IEA) last week. The decision was communicated in a joint letter from Ministers Mauro Vieira (Foreign Affairs) and Alexandre Silveira (Mines and Energy) to the institution's Director General, marking the beginning of a process that could reposition the country among the key players in international energy governance.

Diplomatic progress solidifies alignment with global energy guidelines

The Brazilian request stems from Resolution No. 5/2025 of the National Energy Policy Council, which recognized full membership of the IEA as a measure of national energy policy interest. Since 2017, Brazil has been an associate member of the Agency, participating in forums, committees, and working groups on topics such as energy security and transition, carbon accounting, and public policy analysis—a collaboration intensified during Brazil's presidency of the G20 and the preparation for COP30.

With 32 full members, 13 associate members, and four countries in the process of joining, the IEA is a global leader in sustainable energy policies. The formalization of the application represents the first step in the accession process, the final decision for which will be made by the Agency's Board of Governors. The IEA's recent completion of Brazil's Energy Policy Review reinforces the technical and political alignment between the country and the organization.