Climate change is a threat that spares no country. The world is already witnessing multiple devastating impacts. The EU highlights the urgency to step up global efforts in response to climate change, in the context of sustainable development and efforts to eradicate poverty, in line with the implementation of the Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement. The EU also recognises the strong calls by the civil society and citizens, especially youth, for enhanced action, ambition and considerations for future generations.

As part of President Juncker's State of the Union proposals earlier this week the European Commission announced a new 'Africa - Europe Alliance for Sustainable Investment and Jobs'. The package builds on the commitments taken during the African Union – European Union Summit of last year in Abidjan where the two continents agreed to strengthen their partnership. The Alliance will lead to the creation of up to 10 million jobs in Africa in the next 5 years alone.