13 October 2017: The European Council has adopted conclusions on the Paris Agreement on climate change and preparations for the UNFCCC meetings, outlining the negotiating position of the European Union (EU) for the UN Climate Change Conference taking place in Bonn, Germany, from 6-17 November 2017.

On global action under the Paris Agreement, the Council underscores the importance of a “rules-based global order,” stressing that the treaty is “irreversible.” It underscores that every country’s contribution is essential for achieving the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement in the context of sustainable development, poverty eradication, food security, gender equality, respect for human rights, respect for the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities, and protection of biodiversity.

The European Council stresses the importance of “leaving COP 23 with sufficient clarity on how the 2018 Facilitative Dialogue will be conducted.”

On advancing implementation of the Paris Agreement, the Council notes that the EU is on track to meet its target of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 20% by 2020 compared to 1990 levels, and welcomes progress towards implementation of the EU’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target for 2030 of reducing domestic GHG emissions by at least 40% in reference to 1990 levels. The Council reaffirms the EU’s commitment to continue supporting partner countries in developing and implementing their NDCs in the context of low-emission and climate-resilient development, while linking them with national development strategies.

The Council conclusions highlight the global stocktake (GST) as the key element of a wider ambition cycle that will inform and incentivize processes to progressively enhance ambitious action, both domestically and collectively.

On COP 23 deliverables, the Council calls for progress on the Paris Work Programme. Describing the 2018 Facilitative Dialogue as “the first key political moment after Paris,” the Council stresses the importance of “leaving COP 23 with sufficient clarity on how the 2018 Facilitative Dialogue will be conducted.”

The Council also calls for, inter alia, enhanced synergies between the Paris Agreement, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), as well as with the Convention on Biological Diversity, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and relevant UN strategies. [European Council Conclusions on the Paris Agreement and Preparations for the UNFCCC Meetings] [Paris Agreement]