Member States gathering yesterday at the European Council discussed the next Multiannual Financial Framework, which sets out EU’s spending priorities after 2020. While they committed to reach a deal as soon as possible, they remained silent on how to make the long term EU budget fit for the Paris Agreement.
Read more: Future EU budget: we need a good rather than a fast deal
Environment Ministers of Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom meeting in Luxembourg today have called upon the EU to make significant further efforts to fight climate change, over and above the already taken commitments.
Read more: 14 EU countries call for strong action to limit warming to 1.5°C
After reaching yesterday a deal on the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), early this morning the European Parliament, Council and Commission agreed also on the new Governance Regulation for the period 2021-2030. Like the 2030 renewable energy target, the agreed 2030 target for energy efficiency of 32,5% and the agreed rules for how to ensure the targets are met fall short of what is needed to comply with the Paris Agreement.
Read more: Clean Energy Package close to an end but far from Paris Agreement
The high-profile Ministerial on Climate Action (MoCA), taking place on 20-21 June in Brussels and co-convened by the EU, China and Canada is one of the most important moments for global climate diplomacy this year. The three hosts, together with ministers representing more than 30 other major powers, are expected to advance discussions towards a successful outcome of the next climate summit COP24 in December 2018 in Poland.
Read more: Ministerial on Climate Action: chance for climate leadership
The vast majority of European countries are missing the mark and failing to increase our chances of achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. Too few of them are advocating for ambitious climate and energy targets and policies, and too many are lagging behind in reducing carbon emissions at the level needed to implement the Paris Agreement. That is according to a new ranking published today by Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe.
Read more: EU countries off target in fighting climate change