COP30: MEPs want EU climate policy to maintain a high degree of ambition

• Need for a science-based EU climate target for 2040
• Set clear calendar for the phase out of fossil fuels subsidies
• Address the climate impact of conflicts

On Monday evening, the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety adopted its policy demands for the UN Climate Change Conference COP30.

The resolution, adopted with 57 votes in favour, 23 against and four abstentions, states that the EU should remain a leader in international climate negotiations and calls on all countries to contribute their fair share in providing adequate climate finance.

MEPs stress the need for EU climate policy "to keep a high ambition in line with the agreed targets and to prioritise in its actions cost-effectiveness, the competitiveness of European economy, social inclusion and a high level of environmental protection". They urge the Council to adopt as soon as possible the EU's climate pledge for 2035, and they regret the fact that the EU did not submit on time its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the Paris Agreement.

The text also underlines the need to adopt a science-based EU climate target for 2040 in accordance with the European Climate Law.

End the EU's fossil fuels dependence and phase out subsidies

MEPs reiterate the urgent need to end the EU's fossil fuel dependence and accelerate its energy transition. They restate the need for the Commission and EU countries to set a deadline for the phasing out of fossil fuels subsidies.

Address climate-related peace and security risks

The report says climate change can lead to a scarcity of natural resources, food shortages, increased tensions in international relations, conflicts over natural resources, and is responsible for natural disasters. The international community should pay increased attention to the climate impact of conflicts, MEPs add, while underlining the frightening extent of environmental damage caused in Ukraine and Gaza.

MEPs also want the defence sector to contribute to tackling climate change by reducing its emissions intensity and accelerating decarbonisation in the industry.

All sectors must contribute to achieving climate neutrality

The resolution argues for increased global efforts to reduce emissions and address climate impact across all sectors, including methane, road transport, international shipping, agriculture, textiles, and tourism.

Next steps

The resolution will be put to a vote by the full house during the plenary session of 20-23 October.

Background

The 30th UN climate conference will take place from 10 to 21 November 2025 in Belém, Brazil. A Parliament delegation led by Chair Lídia Pereira (EPP, PT) and Vice-Chair Mohammed Chahim (S&D, NL) will attend COP30 from 17 to 21 November.

COP30 will focus on the efforts needed to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5°C, the presentation of new national action plans (through "nationally determined contributions" or NDCs) and the progress on the finance pledges made at COP29.

• Dana POPP

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