Brasilia, 09 April 2025

This week, EU Commissioner for Climate Action, Net Zero and Clean Growth Wopke Hoekstra visited Brazil to discuss the preparations and priorities for COP30 to be hosted in Belém in November 2025. He held several high-level bilateral meetings in Brasília with representatives of the government: Vice-President and Minister for Development, Industry, Trade, and Services, Geraldo Alckmin; Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Marina Silva; Minister for Finance, Fernando Haddad; Minister for Indigenous People Sonia Guajajara; and COP30 President-designate André Corrêa do Lago.

In the various meetings with members of governments, Commissioner Hoekstra reiterated his commitment, ahead of COP30 in Belém, to setting and implementing ambitious emissions reduction targets, mobilising climate finance and investments, and enhancing resilience and adaptation to climate change.He also recalled the importance of multilateralism for dealing with global challenges despite a volatile geopolitical context.

Several topics came up in all meetings such as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and how important it is for all parties to submit ambitious NDCs, fully aligned with the 1.5°C temperature goal. Brazil has already delivered its own NDC, setting a powerful example for others in the region and globally. They also discussed in detail their shared experiences on emissions trading schemes and explored how to promote carbon pricing at COP30.

On finance, the EU and Brazil agreed to engage constructively in the delivery and implementation of the Baku-to-Belém Roadmap.

They also touched on bilateral issues of cooperation, of which there are many, and commended Brazil’s work on stopping deforestation. A delegation of Commission representatives will continue exchanges in the days following the visit. 

Ensuring the full and effective participation of civil society, Indigenous Peoples, and other stakeholders in the multilateral process is crucial.  Commissioner Hoekstra spoke at the event organised by the French Embassy - 'Amazonia, the heart of Mother Earth', organised in partnership with FUNAI, Fundação Nacional dos Povos Indígenas (National Foundation for Indigenous Peoples). He also exchanged with Brazilian Climate NGOs and think-tanks.

Finally, Commissioner Hoekstra also held talks and spoke at an event organised by Eurocâmaras, which represents the European business community in Brazil. Commissioner Hoekstra gave insights on the Clean Industrial Deal, recalling why decarbonisation and economic growth must go hand in hand to strengthen competitiveness and resilience. In this context there is a growing momentum in the strategic partnership between the EU and Brazil.

During the visit to Brasilia and São Paulo, Commissioner Hoekstra reaffirmed his and the EU’s strong commitment to multilateral climate action under the Paris Agreement. A decade after its adoption, the Paris Agreement remains the most effective instrument for advancing international climate action, offering a path of hope, health, security and prosperity for all humanity.

This visit to Brazil by the Commissioner marks an important step on the road to COP30, building on earlier meetings and exchanges at both technical and political levels, which will further intensify in the weeks and months ahead.