EU Explanation of Vote – UN General Assembly 2nd Committee: after action on the resolution for Protection of global climate
Mr. Chair,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.
The Candidate Countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Georgia align themselves with this statement.
First of all, let me thank the facilitator, and all delegations for their efforts and continued engagement.
This year’s the Special High-Level Event on Climate Action co-hosted by the Secretary-General and the President of Brazil in September and the convening of the COP30 in Belem confirmed once again that climate change is a major global challenge with wide-ranging social, economic, and environmental impacts, but also demonstrated that despite the positive momentum created since the adoption of the Paris Agreement 10 years ago, our collective actions still lack behind the needs on the ground.
The text before us strives to maintain an overall balance. We particularly welcome the reinstatement of language on adaptation and mitigation, the reaffirmation of the Paris Agreement and its long-term temperature goal of 1.5°C, and the strengthened links between climate action, biodiversity, and the outcomes of the various UN conferences, including UNOC3.
However, our delegation must express a serious concern. From the outset, our priority has been clear: to ensure that the energy paragraph reflects the outcomes of the First Global Stocktake adopted at COP28. This was an essential element for us. Despite persistent and constructive engagement, we regret that paragraph OP5, does not reflect the outcomes of CMA5 as well as the new momentum that emerged at COP30 in favour of the full implementation of the GST. While we acknowledge the reinstatement of OP31 bis from last year’s resolution, including a general reference to the GST, this does not fully address our core concern.
In light of this, and in order to remain consistent with the position we took last year regarding the energy paragraph, our delegation broke silence on this specific paragraph. Unlike last year we are not tabling an amendment but we would clearly like to register our dissatisfaction with the lack of progress on this critical issue while recognizing the broader balance achieved in the text. Consequently, we ask to dissociate ourselves from paragraph OP5, as it does not reflect the outcomes of CMA5 as well as the new momentum that emerged at COP30 in favour of the full implementation of the GST.
Furthermore, we appreciate the efforts made on the language on climate finance—especially paragraphs OP22, OP23, and OP28, we have to express concern regarding the OP21, as it does not reflect that in 2022 for the first time, developed countries have not only met but also exceeded their target of mobilizing $100 billion a year to help developing countries cut emissions and cope with climate change. When it comes to climate finance, the EU views the NCQG as a central tool for scaling up climate finance in a credible, fair, and sustainable way. While the EU stands ready to do its part, we support a broad approach (public + private) that also includes a broader group of contributors. The climate financing needs to be ambitious but realistic, aligning with Paris Agreement needs, especially for vulnerable countries.
Finally, allow me to reiterate my groups position-especially this year that we celebrate its 10th Anniversary: the Paris Agreement stands on an equal footing with UNFCCC. We regret that our proposal to update the reference to the Paris Agreement in the United Nations Treaty Series like other international treaty has not found consensus. We hope that in the future, we will be able to reach a consensus, because to achieve our climate objectives, we must remain united.
Mr Chair, finally, we regret that a vote has been called on this normally consensual resolution. We believe this undermines our collective effort and the constructive spirit of striving for consensus, which has been a tradition in this committee and has also guided the negotiations on this resolution this year. The EU and its Member States support this important resolution.
We remain committed to working with all partners to ensure that our resolutions reflect the urgency and ambition required to confront the climate crisis.