At its plenary session in Strasbourg on Monday 20 January, the European Commission issued a statement calling for intensified climate action to combat global warming. This intervention follows a year 2024 in which multiple records were measured (see EUROPE 13555/1).
European Commissioner Glenn Micallef warned of the disastrous consequences of climate change and recalled the efforts made by the EU, including the preparation of an ambitious new interim target: a 90% reduction in emissions by 2040, in line with the European Union’s commitments under the Climate Act.
With regard to the new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), he pointed out that presenting them before COP30 in Belém would encourage global partners to step up their efforts.
In this context, the Commission is stepping up its climate diplomacy by supporting the development of robust carbon pricing and emissions trading systems with its international partners. However, Commissioner Micallef reiterated that the EU, which currently accounts for only 6% of global emissions, cannot solve the climate crisis on its own. Greater international cooperation, particularly with the major G20 issuers, is essential.
Glenn Micallef spoke of the EU’s funding effort, with over $30 billion allocated in 2023 to support the most vulnerable developing countries.
Finally, the Commissioner mentioned the preparation of an ambitious plan for adapting to climate change, designed in collaboration with the European Parliament, the Member States and all stakeholders.
The Commission is thus stepping up its call for action on the climate crisis, at a time when the inauguration of US President Donald Trump has made the United States’ exit from the Paris Agreement effective (see other news).
This disengagement is weighing on the international dynamic and pushing the EU to consolidate both its leadership role and its ambitions, as several MEPs pointed out, including Heléne Fritzon (S&D, Swedish), Lídia Pereira (EPP, Portuguese) and Pascal Canfin (Renew Europe, French).
“We need to prepare for the consequences of global warming and rapidly propose ambitious legislation for climate adaptation. We must also show strong leadership at the next climate summit in Brazil”, said Sara Matthieu (Greens/EFA, Belgian), stressing the importance of adaptation and preparedness within the EU.
Mohammed Chahim (S&D, Dutch), for his part, condemned inaction and called for a financial commitment comparable to that of the Cold War: “With just 2-3% of our GDP, we could fight the climate crisis. The best time to act was yesterday. The second best moment is today”.
Similarly, Heléne Fritzon (S&D, Swedish) warned: “We must do more, in particular by increasing our climate targets for 2040 to 95%”.
However, while a majority of MEPs were in favour of this drive for enhanced action, several MEPs from the far right expressed a more hostile stance. Silvia Sardone (PfE, Italian) described European policies as “climate terrorism” and accused the Green Deal of damaging the economy. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)