The deep regret already expressed by the EU about the decision by the administration of Donald Trump to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement and the EU’s determination to rapidly make progress with implementing said agreement (see EUROPE 11808, 11801) were formally put in writing by the Council of the EU in Luxembourg on Monday 19 June, ahead of similar moves by the European summit on 22 June.
Going by a draft conclusions document, the European heads of state are expected to reaffirm the EU’s commitment to full and rapid implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement, including financing commitments for climate action (the $100 billion a year by 2020 promised by developed countries to help adjustment and reduction efforts by developing countries) and taking the lead of the global transition to a clean economy.
Europe’s leaders are expected to reiterate that the Paris Climate Agreement is a key element in efforts at global level to deal with climate change at the root and is not negotiable in any way, unlike what the US president hinted at in his announcement on 1 June. Europe’s leaders say this global climate deal is crucial for implementation of the universal sustainable development agenda for 2030.
The EU heads of state or government will confirm the EU’s determination to boost climate democracy and cooperation with parties to the Paris Climate Agreement, particularly the countries most vulnerable to climate deregulation, in a gesture of solidarity with future generations and responsibility towards the planet. The European Commission and Council will be invited to implement these European Council guidelines.
In a conclusions document adopted without debate, the EU Council of Ministers formulates a similar message, matching the sentiments expressed the same day by EU environment ministers in a public debate in Luxembourg.
Describing the Trump administration’s decision as profoundly regrettable, the Council of the EU welcomes, by contrast, the many firm statements in favour of the Paris Agreement by a large number of countries, be they major states or small vulnerable islands.
The Council points out that the Paris Climate Agreement is ambitious but not prescriptive, such that each country can find its own way to contribute to the objectives of tackling climate change, which threatens development, peace and stability across the whole world, the conclusions document explains.
The Council reiterates the unfaltering support by the EU and its member states to the United Nations’ multilateral system, noting that "the European Union and its member states remain united and absolutely committed to full and swift implementation of the Paris Agreement and recall the particular responsibility of major economies, accounting for some 80% of global emissions, and call on all partners to keep up the momentum created in 2015 towards successful results at COP 23 (Ed: Bonn, under the presidency of Fiji on 6-17 November) and COP 24". "The world can continue to count on the EU for leadership in the global fight against climate change", the Council states. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)