Climate change: Council speeds up process for EU ratification of Paris agreement

The Council of the European Union agreed on 30 September 2016 to go ahead with the ratification of the Paris Agreement at the European Union level. The member states can either ratify together with the EU if they have completed their national procedures, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The European Parliament's environment committee had already endorsed the ratification process. The plenary session of the parliament in October 2016 was set to confirm the endorsement as soon as the Council agreed on it.

Once Parliament has consented the Council can formally adopt the Decision. The EU would then be able to deposit its ratification instrument with the UNFCCC.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: The Paris Agreement: A new framework for global climate action http://www.europeansources.info/record/the-paris-agreement-a-new-framework-for-global-climate-action/

ESO: Background information: Paris Agreement on Climate Change [What Think Tanks are Thinking] http://www.europeansources.info/record/paris-agreement-on-climate-change-what-think-tanks-are-thinking/

European Commission: DG Communication: SPEECH/16/3263, 30.09.16: Speaking points by Climate Action and Energy Commissioner Miguel Arias Cañete on the ratification of the Paris agreement http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-16-3263_en.htm

European Commission: DG Communication: STATEMENT/16/3265, 30.09.16: Ministers approve EU ratification of Paris Agreement http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STATEMENT-16-3265_en.htm

Deutsche Welle, 30.09.16: EU ministers agree to ratify Paris climate deal http://dw.com/p/2QmKG

EurActiv, 30.09.16: EU overcomes sovereignty fears to secure deal on climate change http://www.euractiv.com/section/energy/news/eu-overcomes-sovereignty-fears-to-secure-deal-on-climate-change/

EUObserver, 30.09.16: EU to ratify Paris climate deal https://euobserver.com/environment/135315

The Guardian, 30.09.16: EU gives green light to ratifying Paris climate deal https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/sep/30/eu-gives-green-light-to-activate-paris-climate-deal

European Parliament: Press Release, 30.09.16: Paris climate agreement: Parliament to vote on EU ratification after Council green light http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/20160930IPR44808/

---