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Thank you António,
Dear Inácio,
Excellencies,
We are here, at the gates of the Amazon forest, with high expectations. This must be the COP that keeps 1.5 degrees Celsius within reach. The COP that strengthens our determination to triple renewables and double energy efficiency by 2030. The COP that delivers for those countries that are most vulnerable to the devastating impact of climate change. The European Union is ready to contribute. Renewables now generate nearly half of our electricity. We are firmly on track to meet our own 2030 target. As my friend António Costa just said, we have our NDC for 2035 – the second most ambitious one of major emitters. And yesterday, our Member States also agreed on a 90% reduction target for 2040. This is in line with the Paris Agreement. So my message is simple: Europe is staying the course. And we offer our support to our partners to do the same. Because the whole world should reap the benefits of the clean transition.
Let me give three examples. First, over the last 4 years, we signed more than 40 bilateral clean transition partnerships worldwide. They deliver jobs and growth in partner countries, while bringing clean products to our market. Second, we remain the largest contributor of climate finance in the world. Last year, we contributed more than USD 34 billion in public climate finance – an increase of more than 10% compared to the year before. And through Global Gateway, we will continue to mobilise investment in the clean transition worldwide. Third, with our Carbon Pricing Task Force, we are supporting partners to build their own emissions trading systems. Because carbon pricing has proven to be one of the most powerful tools in the climate arsenal.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As European Union, we will do our part to make this COP30 a success. We are here to double down on our commitments, strive to further accelerate our implementation, close the remaining gaps, strengthen our partnerships and deliver real progress.
Thank you.
