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With US out of picture, EU tries to fill the climate void with China

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By illuminem briefings

· 3 min read


illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on POLITICO or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: As the U.S. under President Trump exits the Paris climate agreement for a second time, the EU is attempting to forge a climate partnership with China
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa are meeting with Chinese leaders in Beijing, with expectations of a joint climate statement — though its substance remains uncertain
The potential agreement seeks to stabilise clean energy markets and reassert multilateral cooperation on climate in a fractured geopolitical landscape

🔭 The context: Historically, meaningful climate accords have stemmed from U.S.-China cooperation, notably the 2014 pact that paved the way for the Paris Agreement
The EU struggled to fill that gap during Trump’s first term due to internal divisions and limited influence
But with China now prioritising clean technology as an economic driver — and the EU eager to maintain diplomatic relevance — a new climate alignment is being tested amid tense trade relations and political fragmentation on both sides

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: An EU-China climate pact, even if limited, could signal stability and intent in global climate diplomacy, especially ahead of COP30 in Brazil
China’s expanding clean tech sector already contributes to reducing global emissions, and deeper cooperation could further accelerate this trend
However, overreliance on Chinese technology — amid export controls and geopolitical leverage — raises concerns about the resilience and independence of Europe’s green transition

⏭️ What's next: Both sides are expected to submit updated emissions targets ahead of COP30, with the EU pushing China to enhance its commitment beyond its current 2030 peak goal
Potential cooperation areas include methane reductions, carbon pricing, deforestation, and climate finance for developing nations
Yet political headwinds in Europe and strategic caution in Beijing may limit ambition
Even a basic joint statement, officials suggest, would be a symbolic but critical step toward keeping global climate negotiations on track.

💬 One quote: “EU-China climate cooperation can help steady markets, accelerate the clean energy transition and show that even in a moment of division, climate action remains one of the surest paths to resilience.” — Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland

📈 One stat: Chinese clean tech exports reduced global emissions by approximately 1% in 2024, according to Carbon Brief

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