Brussels, 24/06/2013 (Agence Europe) - EU ministers for foreign affairs are determined to step up the EU's climate diplomacy efforts to do its bit as effectively as possible, by building alliances with as many third countries and regions as possible, to obtain a binding global climate agreement applicable to all to be concluded in 2015 and coming into force by 2020 at the latest. This determination was expressed in Luxembourg on Monday 24 June in the Council's unanimous conclusions. These conclusions were the high point of the exchange of views, chaired by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, in which Connie Hedegaard, the European commissioner for climate action also took part. Ashton emphasised that “climate change is a very critical issue in terms of the work we do, with over 100 states at risk from the effects of climate change - which is therefore an important element for foreign policy”.
UN climate negotiations have entered a decisive phase and the Council underlines the need to work at an international level to rectify as quickly as possible the disparity between the commitments made on the table and the level of ambition required by now and 2020 to maintain average temperature rise at 2°C compared to pre-industrial levels. Time is running out and it is important that the EU and all national diplomatic networks work towards encouraging partner countries to adopt the national frameworks required for an ambitious global agreement.
To this end, the Council is calling for a “more proactive and targeted agenda” so that European climate diplomacy can maximise the collective efforts of the EU and its member states and strengthen the EU's voice on the international scene, while remaining open to dialogue and cooperation. It hails the discussion document drafted by the high representative and European Commission on EU climate diplomacy for 2015 and beyond, and, in particular, the idea of developing a “toolbox” and messages addressed to the international community, regions and specific partners respectively.
The Council underlines that the urgent need to tackle climate change by reducing emissions and introducing adaptation measures is not just an environmental imperative but also, fundamentally, a pre-condition for peace and security, development and prosperity. The Council also highlights the threats represented by climate change to economic and social well-being, states' financial capabilities and the risk of suffering greater human and material losses in the future, with “considerable risks to sustainable development”. The concept of climate diplomacy first saw light in July 2011, two years after the spectacular failure in Copenhagen where the EU's voice was ignored. The concept, set out in the Council conclusions of July 2011, is based on three pillars: making climate change a priority in the EU's diplomatic dialogues and initiatives, providing EU support to low carbon emissions development and climate resilience, and action linking climate, natural resources, austerity and security. (AN/transl.fl)