The EU and its Member States have taken the lead in securing a global agreement to scale up climate ambition and finance, and to set new global energy targets.From 30 November to 13 December 2023, world leaders gathered in Dubai for the Global Climate Summit to launch the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28).
“The Earth belongs to our children. That is not an advertising slogan. It is an existential truth. The coming decade will be decisive and we are fully committed to working with every one of you to protect humanity.” – European Council President Charles Michel
What is the EU's role at the COP?
At COP28, the EU will be represented by Charles Michel, President of the European Council, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and the Presidency-in-Office of the Council. The EU delegation to the negotiations will be led by the Presidencies of the European Commission and the Council. Before the COP meetings, the EU negotiating position is approved by the Council in the form of Council conclusions. The position to be taken at COP28 was agreed by the Environment Council in October 2023. During the negotiations, the Council Presidency will play a coordinating role, ensuring that the 27 EU Member States speak with one voice.
Parties have agreed to submit updated climate plans for 2035 by COP30, to be aligned with the 1.5°C limit based on the best available science and the results of the 2023 global assessment.
In its conclusions, the European Council underlined that the transition to climate neutrality offers significant opportunities to:
- economic growth
- new markets and jobs
- technological progress
- EU leaders called on the European Commission to continue work on a European green deal.
Overall, Europe is leading the way in a transition towards an economy that gives more to the planet than it takes away. At a global level, both ambition and action are needed in this critical decade, to ensure the implementation of the Paris Agreement and to reach climate neutrality in a sustainable way.
