“We must guarantee a fair and equitable green transition that leaves no one and no place behind”, said Maroš Šefčovič, Executive Vice-President of the Commission in charge of the European Green Deal, at the EU Ambassadors’ Conference in Brussels on Thursday 9 November. In the run-up to COP28, his speech highlighted the need for an inclusive transition to sustainability.
In the context of a global climate emergency, Mr Šefčovič stressed the importance of dialogue, cooperation and the formation of strategic partnerships, even with those who do not necessarily share the same climate and geopolitical visions as the EU. “We are facing a global problem that requires global solutions”, he insisted, highlighting the essential role of EU ambassadors in promoting these initiatives.
The Vice-President spoke of the global consequences of climate change, citing phenomena such as deadly floods, extreme temperatures and devastating forest fires. He reiterated that these challenges cannot be met in isolation, stressing the need for concerted international solutions.
However, Mr Šefčovič also acknowledged the criticism of the EU’s approach to climate change, admitting that Europe is often seen as imposing its vision of climate change on others, but “not listening enough”. This awareness paves the way for a more inclusive and empathetic approach in the EU’s climate diplomacy.
Regarding the preparations for COP28, Mr Šefčovič emphasised the need to achieve concrete results, particularly with regard to the Global Assessment of Collective Progress under the Paris Agreement and the update of Nationally Determined Contributions, the non-binding national plans setting out climate actions and submitted every 5 years to the UNFCCC secretariat.
He also spoke of the importance of carbon markets, citing the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) as an effective example of reducing industrial emissions while generating revenue for climate and energy measures, which would “ease the social burden on citizens”.
Mr Šefčovič also announced the launch of the “critical raw materials club” at COP28 to strengthen international cooperation. He mentioned several recent green partnerships, such as those with Canada, Ukraine and Kazakhstan, underlining the importance of these alliances in reducing the EU’s dependence on imports of critical raw materials.
The Vice-President of the European Commission concluded by emphasising that climate diplomacy is “a key component of our international action”, acknowledging the challenges but remaining optimistic about the EU’s ability to drive forward the green transition on the world stage. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)