On Tuesday 21 November, with a significant majority of 462 votes in favour, 134 against and 30 abstentions, MEPs adopted a resolution setting out strategic recommendations ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28).
The text adopted by the European Parliament, in line with the expectations expressed on 7 November by the Committee on the Environment (ENVI) (see EUROPE 13287/9), calls for the elimination of all fossil fuel subsidies, at both national and international level, by 2025. This measure is accompanied by an increased ambition to triple renewable energy production and double energy efficiency by 2030. MEPs also support an end to all new funding for fossil fuel extraction, putting the EU on a path towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
The resolution stresses the need for all countries to step up their climate commitments, in particular by increasing international climate financing. The protection of biodiversity and the reduction of methane emissions and climate impacts in the maritime and air transport, agriculture and defence sectors are also highlighted.
In a press release, Chiara Martinelli, Director of the Climate Action Network Europe (CAN Europe) coalition of environmental NGOs, stressed the need for European governments and the European Commission to align themselves with these ambitious targets during the COP28 negotiations, and to work with other countries to achieve these significant changes.
Although the European Parliament does not have any formal negotiating powers within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, it is playing an influential role by sending a dedicated delegation to COP28, to be held in Dubai from 30 November to 12 December.
Adopted text: https://aeur.eu/f/9nt (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)