The Arctic is warming at more than twice the global average. The Mediterranean is facing decreasing precipitation and increasing temperatures. The warming of the Baltic, Black and North Seas is happening at a big pace. The situation is alarming. It is urgent to strengthen the global response to the climate emergency. High Representative Josep Borrell chaired the Foreign Affairs Council today, where Ministers discussed ways to step up climate diplomacy. The EU is determined to help raise global ambition and will use all tools at its disposal to tackle the climate challenge.
When discussing climate diplomacy, Foreign ministers today restated the political centrality of climate action for the European Union. Following the discussion, the Council adopted conclusions on climate diplomacy.
The Council recalled that climate change is an existential and global threat to humanity and biodiversity. It multiplies threats to international stability and is one of the biggest geopolitical challenges we face. The European Union continues to lead the global fight against climate change and climate action will be a key priority in the enagagement with partner countries.
The European Council conclusions of 12 December 2019 endorsed the European Green Deal objective of achieving a climate neutral EU by 2050, in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement(link is external). The European Green Deal puts forward proposals for boosting the economy, improving people’s health and quality of life, caring for nature, and leaving no one behind.
Read also
In addition, efforts beyond the EU must urgently be scaled up and third countries need to intensify their efforts.
The European Union will continue to act as a constructive partner and strengthen its support for relevant parties in revising and implementing Nationally Determined Contributions, ahead of COP 26 in Glasgow(link is external). This will be supported by all EU external policy instruments, including sustainable financial instruments and trade policy, to promote low greenhouse gas emission and climate-resilient development.
With a view to the mobilisation of international climate finance, the European Commission, the High Representative and Member States will strengthen bilateral engagement on climate action with partner countries and regional organisations. In particular with non-EU G20 economies that account for three quarters of global greenhouse gas emissions, as well as with the most vulnerable countries particularly affected by climate change. Tailor-made approaches for cooperation with third countries will take into account the need for a just and socially balanced transition as an enabler of climate action. Actions will involve all sectors of partner coutries’ economies, necessitating the strengthening of existing bilateral dialogues and technical cooperation. Member States with existing climate and energy programmes with non-EU G20 countries will share experiences on their bilateral engagement to ensure cohesive and efficient EU Climate Diplomacy.
Upcoming 2020 EU Summits with China, Japan, the African Union and India, and other major international events such as the United Nations Ocean Conference in Lisbon and the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity in Kunming, offer good opportunities for strengthening alliances and action on climate and environment. The EU will also place increased emphasis on supporting the efforts of the EU’s immediate neighbours – in the Southern neighbourhood, the Eastern Partnership Countries and the Western Balkans, notably their regions and sectors most affected by the transition. Read
European Union
