‘We won’t slow down’ on climate: EU reacts to COP26 postponement

(EurActiv, 2 Apr 2020) The European Commission “took note” of the UK’s announcement to postpone this year’s UN climate summit but stressed its “strong commitment” to the global climate agenda, as nations grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This makes sense,” said Frans Timmermans, the EU Commission vice-president in charge of the European Green Deal, which aims to steer the bloc towards net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

“We acknowledge that global diplomatic activity is currently slowed down by the coronavirus crisis. And we understand that this decision is taken to avoid that COP26 would fail to meet expectations as a result of insufficient participation,” Timmermans said in a statement.

But the Dutchman also seized the opportunity to reaffirm the Commission’s commitment to the global climate agenda and the European Green Deal.

“We will not slow down our work domestically or internationally to prepare for an ambitious COP26, when it takes place,” he said.

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EurActiv, 2 Apr 2020: ‘We won’t slow down’ on climate: EU reacts to COP26 postponement