The EU’s COP29 Negotiating Position: All Bark and No Bite?

Brussels, 15 October 2024 – Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe cautiously welcomes the conclusions of yesterday’s meeting of EU environment ministers, which lay out the EU’s negotiating position ahead of COP29. Whilst progress is clear in some areas, key gaps remain in scaling up financial support for developing countries and in clearly defining the EU’s path to net-zero emissions by 2040 at the latest.

‘The EU’s acknowledgement of the critical opportunities and co-benefits that ambitious climate action brings for people, planet and the global economy is welcomed’ said James Trinder, International Climate Policy Coordinator at CAN Europe. ‘To unlock these benefits, of better living and health standards, improved water security, sustainable food systems, and affordable energy prices, EU leaders must accelerate climate action at COP29, resist backsliding and sharply counter climate denial’.

A key improvement noted in the conclusions is a stronger stance than before on the global phase-out of fossil fuels. The EU urges countries to operationalise their energy system transitions through concrete domestic plans, policies, and actions. CAN Europe welcomes this shift but stresses that EU leadership requires firm commitments and concrete actions domestically, notably through the National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) that are overdue by most EU Member States, as well as internationally.

‘The EU must lead by example and fully commit to a full fossil fuel phase-out,’ said Chiara Martinelli, Director at CAN Europe. ‘The EU’s next Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) must include clear phase-out dates: Coal by 2030, gas by 2035, and oil by 2040 at the latest and a clear signal in this direction is necessary in Baku.’

Yesterday’s conclusions also remain critically lacking in firm commitments to scale up financial support for developing countries, a cornerstone of a fair global transition. CAN Europe warns that without transformative financing it is unrealistic to expect developing nations to design and implement ambitious NDCs.

‘The EU’s rhetoric on phasing out fossil fuels is welcome, but empty without matching financial support for developing countries,’ said Chiara Martinelli. ‘We need a full, fair, fast and funded transition. The excessive profits from fossil fuels must be redirected to support climate action in the countries that need it most. Anything less perpetuates global inequality and climate injustice.’

CAN Europe also expresses concern over the EU’s limited progress in defining its next generation of climate targets. While the EU’s commitment to 1.5°C-aligned NDCs is clear, it has yet to adjust its 2030 ambitions to align fully with this goal. CAN Europe calls on the EU to set a firm target for net zero by 2040 at the latest, and prioritise actual emission reductions in its new NDC.

ENDS

Notes to the editor:

• CAN Europe’s reaction to the ECOFIN conclusions (08/10/24) on international climate finance.
• CAN Europe’s recommendations for the Environment Council Conclusions on Preparations for COP29
• Covering COP29? Make sure to follow CAN Europe’s COP29 Press Alerts WhatsApp Channel – and turn on notifications.