On Saturday, EU Heads of State and Government will gather in Rome to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the EU and discuss its future. Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe urges EU leaders to put climate action at the heart of a new vision that will help revitalise the European project. Unfortunately, a preparatory document for the Rome declaration does not contain any references to climate change.
Ahead of the leaders’ summit in Rome, Wendel Trio, Director of CAN Europe said:
“The Rome ceremony is a momentous opportunity to reconnect the EU with the needs of its people who demand decisive action against climate change. Citizens expect EU leaders to put a stronger emphasis on tackling climate change. It has to be part of the EU’s effort to respect the planet’s boundaries – a core European value. Adequate response to one of the most pressing challenges of our times, the threat of climate change, can help the EU boost citizens’ confidence in the European project.”
“The full transition away from fossil fuels offers a fair and steadfast way towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for everyone in Europe. Effective climate action is key to improving and safeguarding the lives of millions of people: it creates jobs, lifts people out of energy poverty, boosts local economies and prevents the possible destructive impacts of rising temperatures.”
Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe is committed to European integration, because the transition to a 100% renewable and fully energy efficient economy requires a common vision and concerted effort. Recent successes of the EU’s climate strategy, namely the adoption of the Paris Agreement and the decoupling of economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions prove that united and strong Europe can be a global leader on climate change.
In advance of the 60th anniversary of the EU, 237 European civil society organisations and trade unions, including CAN Europe, appeal to EU leaders to show courage and vision in leading the transition to a just, sustainable, democratic and inclusive Europe. They call for the full implementation of the Paris Agreement by enhancing energy efficiency and accelerating the just and sustainable transition to clean and affordable renewable energy in order to keep global warming well below 2°C and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.
ENDS
Contact:
Wendel Trio, CAN Europe Director, wendel@caneurope.org, +32 473 170 887 (available also for a comment on the outcomes of the summit on Saturday)
Ania Drazkiewicz, CAN Europe Communications Coordinator, ania@caneurope.org, +32 494 525 738
Notes:
European civil society organisations and trade unions, The Europe we want: Just, Sustainable, Democratic and Inclusive https://caneurope.org/publications/letters-to-policy-makers/1343-the-europe-we-want-just-sustainable-democratic-and-inclusive
According to the Eurobarometer, vast majority of European citizens recognize the collective responsibility for tackling climate change http://ec.europa.eu/COMMFrontOffice/publicopinion/index.cfm/Survey/getSurveyDetail/search/climate/surveyKy/2060
Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe is Europe’s largest coalition working on climate and energy issues. With over 130 member organisations in more than 30 European countries – representing over 44 million citizens – CAN Europe works to prevent dangerous climate change and promote sustainable climate and energy policy in Europe.
