Minister Huang (pronounce Hwahng), esteemed colleagues, distinguished participants,

Good afternoon- it is a pleasure to be here today to open this “EU-China Exchange on Collaboratively Advancing Green Growth”.

I extend my sincere thanks to the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development for organising this event and for the kind invitation.

We are in a complex world with conflicting priorities. The urgent issues of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution are impacting our environment, prosperity, and security.

I believe nature, prosperity, and security are interconnected. Our security relies on our resilience and economic stability, which must be based on sustainable growth.

In Europe, growth must be sustainable, not only for ethical reasons but also for economic viability.

Biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and water scarcity are not merely environmental issues; they pose economic and security risks.

Our industries depend on healthy ecosystems, stable climates, and access to clean water and raw materials. A resilient economy is built on a robust natural foundation.

The European Union, through the European Green Deal, has demonstrated that economic growth can occur alongside emissions reduction, resource efficiency, and environmental protection.

This framework drives our societal and economic transformation towards sustainable growth and prosperity.

However, more must be done, which is the focus of my role as Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience, and a Competitive Circular Economy.

The Commission has launched the Competitiveness Compass and Clean Industrial Deal to guide the EU towards greater sustainability and competitiveness.

We are developing a Circular Economy Act to enhance our waste market and create demand for secondary raw materials, expected to be adopted in 2026 after consultations with partners, including China.

As the first Commissioner for water resilience, I aim to prioritize water in our political agenda.

Extreme weather is now common, and water demand is rising. Water insecurity poses significant risks to our societies and economies.

Water is vital for agriculture, drinking, and industry. No sector can function without it, yet it is often overlooked.

Thus, I launched the EUs first Water Resilience Strategy to restore the water cycle and promote a water-smart economy that ensures clean, affordable water for all.

Addressing water scarcity and enhancing circular economies are global challenges, not just European ones.

I aim to collaborate with partners worldwide to advance this agenda and achieve tangible results that foster prosperity and sustainability.

China is a key partner, and our extensive environmental cooperation reflects this.

I look forward to chairing the 10^th EU-China Environment Policy Dialogue with Minister Huang to discuss pressing environmental issues and review our collaboration.

I also anticipate the 6^th High-Level Environment and Climate Dialogue in mid-July, where leaders will discuss these critical areas.

By demonstrating leadership and pursuing shared goals, such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the UN Water Conference, the EU and China can inspire global action.

What the EU and China accomplish is significant, not only for us but for the world.

Our collaboration is vital to support the transition to a green, low-emission, circular economy and to fulfill the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

I hope we can continue on this path, especially with the upcoming negotiations in August 2025 to end plastic pollution.

We will discuss this further tomorrow, but its crucial for our planet and future generations to reach an agreement. The EU will do its part, and I trust China will too.

I am delighted to speak to this audience today, as think tanks, experts, and civil society play a vital role in shaping policy and addressing challenges.

Enhancing exchanges between European and Chinese think tanks is essential, and I support efforts to facilitate these connections.

There is room for deeper exchanges, and the EU encourages participation in initiatives from the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development.

I am proud of the growing involvement of European experts and organizations in this Councils activities.

I hope this engagement continues and expands. The next Annual General Meeting in October in Beijing could be a great opportunity for EU think tanks to deepen their collaboration.

I wish you a successful afternoon and thank you for your attention.

Let us act decisively for a sustainable future that benefits all.