EU leadership in climate change negotiations since the Paris Agreement
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EU Climate Change Leadership Post-Paris Agreement
EU as a Climate Leader: Achievements and Strategies
Since the Paris Agreement in 2015, the European Union (EU) has been recognized as a significant leader in global climate change negotiations. The EU achieved many of its policy objectives in Paris by moderating its ambitions and proactively building coalitions, acting as a bridge between major powers like the US and China. This approach allowed the EU to consolidate its role as a “leadiator”—a blend of leader and mediator—in international climate policy, a role it began to develop after the Copenhagen summit in 2009 and tested in Durban in 2011 Oberthür2016Afionis2017. The EU’s leadership has been characterized by setting ambitious targets and leading by example, a form of “directional leadership” that has shaped global climate policy Brandi2018Marcu2015.
Challenges to EU Leadership: Internal and External Pressures
Despite its successes, the EU’s leadership has faced significant challenges. The failure at Copenhagen, economic and political crises within Europe, and shifting global dynamics have all put pressure on the EU’s ability to lead Brandi2018Parker2018Earsom2022. The EU’s leadership is also complicated by the need for internal cohesion—speaking with one voice—and maintaining credibility and seizing opportunities in a fragmented international landscape Brandi2018Parker2018. Survey evidence shows that while the EU sees itself as a world leader, this perception is not always fully shared by other actors, though it is still recognized as a key leader alongside China and the US Parker2018Parker2017.
Implementation and Policy Integration: The Path Forward
After Paris, the EU’s leadership has focused on implementing the agreement’s goals. Key tasks include speeding up legislation to meet 2030 climate and energy targets and strengthening cooperation with developing countries . The EU has also updated its mitigation target to at least a 55% reduction by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, as part of the European Green Deal . However, there are concerns about the lack of notification of individual member states’ emission levels, which is required under the Paris Agreement . The EU’s role is seen as crucial for the implementation of the Paris Agreement, especially in the context of the US’s withdrawal from international climate policy under President Trump .
The Evolving Role of the EU in Global Climate Governance
The EU’s leadership is not static; it must regularly review and adjust its strategies in response to unpredictable political, economic, and technological changes . The EU’s ability to lead effectively depends on its capacity to integrate climate action with broader sustainable development goals, such as those outlined in the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) . The EU’s diplomatic “soft power” and its experience with policy instruments like the Emissions Trading Scheme also contribute to its influence in global negotiations Diez2023Earsom2022.
Conclusion
Since the Paris Agreement, the EU has played a pivotal role in global climate change negotiations by acting as a leader and mediator, setting ambitious targets, and fostering international cooperation. However, its leadership is continually tested by internal divisions, external geopolitical shifts, and the need for ongoing policy innovation and integration. The EU’s continued influence will depend on its ability to adapt, maintain cohesion, and align climate action with broader global development objectives Oberthür2016Brandi2018Dröge2016+6 MORE.
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The European Union and the Paris Agreement: leader, mediator, or bystander?
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