COP26: The EU position and what needs to be achieved
The world is currently not on track to keep global warming under 1.5 degrees. In the coming weeks, world leaders will gather for COP26 in Glasgow. But, what exactly does the EU want out of this meeting to be able to deliver for European youth and future generations?
What are the goals for Glasgow?
Ensuring successful results is at stake. To make sure that agreements are implemented and objectives are met, the EU will push for:
- strong rule-based multilateralism; countries and regions abiding by what they pledged
- everyone taking responsibility to meet their national targets for 2030
- ensuring money is available to finance climate action
- finalising the Paris Rulebook (the detailed rules that make the Paris Agreement operational)
- setting adaptation strategies.
A united 27 for COP26
It is a unique window of opportunity for the EU, its members states and the rest of the world. The EU is a leader in climate action, but what are the big objectives for COP26?
The European Union’s (EU) position at COP26 will be defined by the following motto: “Enhancing action, ambition and support”.
The run up to COP26 requires as much preparation as the actual meeting itself which will take place from Sunday, October 31 to Friday, November 12. The EU will be represented in COP26 by the European Commission and Slovenia, which currently holds the Council’s rotating presidency.
Just two weeks ago, the European environment ministers concluded and agreed that the EU goals at COP26 are to:
- commit to more ambitious targets to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 2030
- discuss measures to adapt to the inevitable impacts of climate change
- increase climate finance, in particular for developing countries.
United in leading global change, all 27 EU countries are determined to keep the 1.5 °C objective within reach. In other words, what was started in Paris (the Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change, which was adopted by 196 Parties at COP21 on 12 December 2015) must be finalised in Glasgow, with the underlying premise that global action is needed to solve the global climate crisis!
Did you know?
The EU is the world's leading contributor of climate finance!
Climate financing is a priority for the EU which is committed to continue scaling up its contribution to international climate finance as part of the goal of developed countries to collectively mobilise USD 100 billion per year up until 2025.
Fit for 55 package: the EU's response to leading global climate action
In 2021, EU countries agreed on the EU’s new climate targets. Now the time has come to deliver!
The EU is now working on the revision of its climate, energy and transport-related legislation under the 'Fit for 55 package' in order to align its legislation with the EU's climate goals for 2030 and 2050. This package of proposals aims at providing a coherent and balanced framework which:
- gives the EU the means to meet its goals
- is fair and socially just
- maintains and strengthens innovation and competitiveness of EU industry while ensuring a level playing field vis-à-vis third country economic operators
- underpins the EU's position as leading the way in the global fight against climate change.
“We share this planet with other living beings. It is time to stop waging war against our natural world. It is time for humans to sign an armistice with nature. A peace treaty with our planet. For the generations to come.” Charles Michel, President of the European Council
