Council conclusions on Climate and Energy Diplomacy – Delivering on the external dimension of the European Green Deal

Summary:

Set of conclusions adopted at a meeting of the Council of the European Union on 25 January 2021, concerning the promotion of the external dimension of the European Green Deal.

Further information:

The Council recognises that climate change is an existential threat to humanity. It notes that global climate action falls short of what is required to achieve the long-term goals of relevant international agreements and agenda. The conclusions call on all parties to enhance the ambition of the nationally determined contributions and to present long-term low emissions development strategies ahead of the forthcoming UNFCCC COP26, whilst welcoming mid-century climate neutrality as well as carbon neutrality commitments.

The set of conclusions also highlights the link between climate change and security and defence, and the need to strengthen and mainstream work on the climate and security nexus. The Council confirms the EU's commitment to further scale up the mobilisation of international climate finance, as a contribution to the transition towards climate neutrality. It also stresses that EU energy diplomacy is to focus on accelerating the global energy transition and discouraging further investments into fossil-fuel-based infrastructure projects in third countries.

The Council also calls for a worldwide phase-out of unabated coal in energy productions, notes that while the energy transition is central to the path towards climate neutrality, it  is to impact societies, economies and geopolitics globally. The conclusions highlight the importance of effective multilateral structures and deepening international cooperation in relevant international fora, whilst identifying the Paris Agreement as the indispensable multilateral framework governing global climate action.

• Primary Source

Official

Council of the European Union: Press Release, 25/01/2021: Council adopts conclusions on climate and energy diplomacy https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2021/01/25/council-adopts-conclusions-on-climate-and-energy-diplomacy/

---