Nothing extraordinary is to be expected from the climate discussion at the European Council on 17 and 18 October, except a message of impetus for the ambition of the forthcoming international negotiations and for the continuation of the EU's internal work.
The leaders of the Twenty-Eight should focus on the international aspects of the fight against an “existential threat” requiring “increased ambition and action on climate change by the EU and at global level”.
Following Costa Rica's pre-COP, it will be a stepping stone summit towards COP25 (2-13 December, Santiago) and the December European Council, which is to finalise its guidelines on the enabling framework and accompanying measures for the just transition to a modern, climate-neutral and competitive European economy.
The European Council should welcome the outcome of the extraordinary Climate Action Summit in New York, endorse the priorities of COP25 (see EUROPE 12342/1) and confirm the EU's determination to lead the way towards a green transition, by implementing the Paris Climate Agreement.
According to the draft conclusions, it should stress that it “looks forward to the Commission's proposal for a just transition fund”.
It will confirm that it will finalise its guidelines on the EU's long-term strategy to be adopted and communicated to the UNFCCC in early 2020, as it undertook to do in June (see EUROPE 12279/2).
It will not mention climate neutrality by 2050, as three countries – Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary – are not yet ready to do so (see EUROPE 12342A2).
“The subject of climate is a constant topic at the European Council. This reflects the political importance of listening to European youth and the EU's leadership role. It's important for public policy too”, said one diplomat on Wednesday. According to another source, “the idea is to keep up the momentum in New York and give a positive sign before the meeting in Santiago”. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang and editorial staff)