Norway, a country of the European Economic Area, was the first developed country to have submitted to the United Nations (UNFCCC secretariat) on Friday 7 February, a revised upwards Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for COP26. This country has committed itself to reducing its emissions “by at least 50% and towards 55%" by 2030 compared to 1990.
“As the first developed country to strengthen its Paris commitment, Norway is demonstrating the type of leadership needed to move the world in the right direction. Given the scale of the global challenge, it will be essential for Norway to slash its emissions 55% by 2030”, commented Helen Mountfort, Vice President for Climate and Economics, WRI (World Resources Institute).
The EU is considering raising its 2030 target to at least 50%, ane towards 55%, once the relevant legislation has been scrutinised this summer. In December, the European Council invited the Commission to present "in good time before COP26, following an extended impact assessment, its proposal" for an updated NDC.
Two developing countries - the Marshall Islands and Suriname - have overtaken Norway by submitting their updated NDC. These three countries together account for only 0.1% of global emissions. In total, 107 countries plan to strengthen their NDC before COP26.
The EU and Norway have agreed to intensify their cooperation on climate change for the period 2021-2030 (see EUROPE 12358/15). (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)