Ahead of the October Environment Council and COP29, discussions began on Wednesday 11 September at technical level within the Council of the European Union’s Working Group on the Environment. These discussions concern the first stage of the non-binding instrument (NBI) procedure linked to the joint declaration of the Climate Club, scheduled to coincide with COP29, to be held in Baku from 11 to 22 November.
The Climate Club is an intergovernmental forum launched at COP28, bringing together 42 members, including the European Union, to promote ambitious climate action, particularly in the industrial sector.
The aim of the Climate Club is to support the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement and to strengthen international cooperation to accelerate decarbonisation.
The non-binding instrument under consideration is designed to enable Member States to take concrete climate action without being bound by strict legal obligations.
The European Commission has informed the Council of its intention to open discussions on this instrument. Before the joint declaration can be finalised and signed, the Commission will have to return to the Council to obtain formal authorisation to commit the EU to this agreement.
The joint declaration, which will be presented at a high-level event, will provide an update on progress in three areas: industrial decarbonisation, support for the climate transition and monitoring the commitments made by members. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)