The European Union and China – the biggest global emitter of greenhouse gas but also the largest investor in renewable energy – are determined to defend and apply the Paris Climate Agreement together. This was confirmed by both parties at the end of the 19th bilateral summit, in Brussels on Thursday 2 June.
It is by highlighting their resolve to step up their bilateral cooperation and their adherence to multilateralism that they responded to the USA’s unilateral withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, which was made official the previous day by US President Donald Trump. On Wednesday, China’s Premier Li Kequiang stated alongside Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin that his country remained committed to this universal agreement.
Speaking to press at the end of the EU-China summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said that “China and the European Union are strategic partners” and that climate change was one of the areas of common interest in which their cooperation continues to broaden. “Today, we are stepping up our cooperation on climate change with China. Which means that today, China and Europe have demonstrated solidarity with future generations and responsibility for the whole planet”, Tusk stated, adding: “we are convinced that yesterday’s decision by the United States to leave the Paris Agreement is a big mistake (…) But the fight against climate change, and all the research, innovation and technological progress it will bring, will continue, with or without the US. However, strong transatlantic ties are far more important and far more durable than the latest, unfortunate decisions of the new administration”.
Li said that in a world of growing instability, “the EU-China relationship must be stable to respond to the world’s instability”. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker was pleased that “China shares our sadness at the US decision to leave the Paris Agreement”.
In a joint statement, the EU and China reiterate their commitment to the Paris Agreement and their resolve to step up their cooperation to ensure its implementation. They also confirm their resolve to reduce the use of fossil fuel, to stimulate the development of clean technologies, and to contribute to the international community's objective of raising €100 billion per year to support the mitigation and adaptation efforts of developing countries. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)