As the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) approaches, the European Parliament has outlined a robust set of demands aimed at reinforcing global climate commitments and ensuring that the European Union (EU) maintains its leadership role in international climate negotiations.
Scheduled to take place in Belém, Brazil, from November 10th to 21st, 2025, COP30 is poised to be a pivotal moment in the global effort to combat climate change.
Central to the European Parliament’s position is a call for all nations to recommit to limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, in line with the Paris Agreement. This target remains the cornerstone of international climate policy, and MEPs emphasize the necessity of aligning national actions with this objective. The Parliament’s resolution underscores that achieving this goal requires comprehensive efforts across all sectors, including energy, transportation, agriculture, and industry.
A significant aspect of the European Parliament’s demands is the urgent need for the EU to expedite its transition away from fossil fuels. MEPs advocate for the phasing out of fossil fuel subsidies and the elimination of regulatory barriers that hinder the adoption of renewable energy sources. They stress that such measures are essential not only for reducing emissions but also for enhancing the EU’s energy security and competitiveness in the global market.
Recognizing the disproportionate impact of climate change on developing countries, the European Parliament calls for a substantial increase in climate finance. MEPs urge the international community to provide adequate financial resources to support climate mitigation and adaptation efforts, particularly in vulnerable regions. They also advocate for simplifying access to climate finance, ensuring that funds reach those who need them most and are used effectively.
The Parliament’s resolution highlights the growing intersection between climate change and security concerns. MEPs emphasize the need for the international community to address the climate impacts of conflicts, which often exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and hinder sustainable development. They call for integrating climate considerations into peace and security strategies to build resilience in affected regions.
Ahead of COP30, EU leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, have reaffirmed their commitment to setting new emissions reduction targets for 2035 and 2040. However, internal divisions among EU member states have raised questions about the bloc’s ability to finalize these targets in time for the summit. MEPs urge EU leaders to overcome these differences and present a unified and ambitious climate agenda at COP30.
The European Parliament’s demands ahead of COP30 reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges of climate change. By advocating for stringent emissions reduction targets, accelerated energy transitions, increased climate finance, and enhanced international cooperation, MEPs aim to ensure that COP30 serves as a catalyst for meaningful global action. As the summit approaches, the eyes of the world will be on Belém, where the future of the planet’s climate policy may be shaped for generations to come.
Main Image: Fred MARVAUX © European Union 2025 – Source: EP Usage terms: Identification of origin mandatory
