S&D Euro MPs today welcomed the EU foreign affairs ministers’ commitment to implement the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

 

 

"The decision by the Council to put climate diplomacy on its foreign affairs agenda is an important step in the right direction. It is an obligation of the EU and the Member States to meet the targets of the Paris Agreement and to tackle environmental challenges together with partner countries through diplomatic channels." 

 

 

 

"Now, it is important to let words follow actions. This includes increasing human resources in the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the Commission for climate diplomacy. The next Multiannual Financial Framework has to reflect such steps with additional funds for climate action and diplomatic efforts. We need a comprehensive joint effort on EU level which targets all stakeholder levels involved."

 

Note to the editor: The European Parliament will put forward recommendations for future EU climate diplomacy and take up climate on its own foreign affairs agenda. The parliamentary report is being drafted in the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (Co-rapporteur Jo Leinen, S&D) and will be voted during the plenary session in July 2018.