Priorities in climate and energy diplomacy in the EU

EU Foreign Affairs Ministers are set to adopt climate and energy diplomacy conclusions on March 18th, 2024, following the conclusion of COP28. This marks a significant moment in shaping the global response to the UAE consensus agreed upon in Dubai.

The European Union played a crucial role in the success of COP28, signaling the end of the fossil fuel era, laying the groundwork for financial reform, and establishing the Loss and Damage fund to build trust between countries. A recent briefing co-authored by E3G and Strategic Perspectives emphasizes the importance of these conclusions in setting the stage for COP30 in Belém.

The FAC conclusions are expected to highlight the global commitment to phasing out fossil fuels, establish timelines for submitting the next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), push for financial reforms leading up to the decision on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) at COP29, and increase financing for adaptation and loss and damage.

These conclusions will guide EU diplomatic priorities for the next five years, with the submission of NDCs before COP30 playing a crucial role in aligning global emissions with net zero by 2050. The success of the UAE consensus hinges on the decisions made at COP29 and the forthcoming NDCs submission.

For more information, you can read the briefing here.