European Parliament and CoR delegations pushing for ambitious outcome at COP28

​Even though cities and regions are in most cases showing more ambition than national governments, the first Global Stocktake will conclude that the world is not doing enough to combat climate change, MEP Bas Eickhout (NL/Greens) told in a briefing with the European Committee of the Regions' delegation to the UNFCCC COP28, which will take place in Dubai from 30 November to 12 December.

Mr Eickhout, who is one of the European Parliament delegates to the COP28, met with the CoR delegation on 16 November to discuss recent developments ahead of the negotiations in Dubai, which are expected to balance between climate mitigation and, on the other hand, on adaptation, financing and loss and damage measures.

CoR members highlighted the strong cooperation between the two delegations in support of an ambitious COP28 outcome, and welcomed that the EP shares the objective of recognising the crucial contribution of local and regional governments to climate action.

"The CoR delegation will go to Dubai with three key objectives: elevate the role and significance of local and regional governments in achieving the Paris agreement goals; accelerate climate action by integrating subnational action into national climate goals and plans; and improve access to sustainable financial mechanisms to mobilize the necessary public and private investments needed at local and regional level. The European Parliament has proven to be a crucial ally for us, incorporating these messages in its draft resolution for COP28 that was adopted last week", said ENVE Commission chair, Mayor of Warsaw Rafał Trzaskowski (PL/EPP).

He also pointed out that Member States have recognized the leadership of local and regional authorities in driving climate action in the Council conclusions of 16 October that form the EU's general negotiating position for the COP28.