EU leaders commit to swiftly and fully implement Paris climate deal
Heads of the EU Member States, the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission have strongly reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to swiftly and fully implement the Paris Agreement on climate change.
At a European Council meeting on 22-23 June 2017, EU leaders vowed to continue to lead the fight against climate change, stressing that the Paris Agreement remains the cornerstone of global efforts to effectively tackle climate change – and that it cannot be renegotiated. They also reaffirmed the EU’s strong commitment to contribute to fulfilling international climate finance goals.
The leaders also stated that the EU will step up cooperation with all international partners, notably the most vulnerable countries, under the Paris Agreement, which was agreed by nearly 200 countries in December 2015 and entered into force last November. The EU will also continue to work closely with all non-state actors, building on the successful example of the Global Climate Action Agenda.
Leaders also agreed that the global climate pact is a key element for the modernisation of Europe’s industry and economy and also for successful implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, to which the recently adopted European Consensus on Development will also contribute.
Their unequivocal commitment to the Paris Agreement follows similar recent statements by the foreign affairs ministers and environment ministers of the 28 Member States, in the wake of the announcement by the United States Administration of its intention to unilaterally withdraw from the accord.
The European Council consists of the heads of state or government of the EU Member States together with the European Council President and the President of the European Commission. The June meeting addressed a range of subjects including security, economy and foreign policy issues.