Baku (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The EU Parliament delegation arrived in Baku to participate in the COP29 climate change conference, which seeks to define a new collective plan for financing climate action.
As reported by the European Parliament press release, an official delegation headed by Chair MEP Lídia Pereira and Vice-Chair MEP Mohammed Chahim reached Baku, Azerbaijan on 18 November to partake in the UN COP29 Climate Change Conference. MEPs will meet with ministers, parliamentarians, civil society representatives, leaders of international climate organisations and other delegates.
Moreover, a joint press conference with delegation Chair MEP Lídia Pereira and EU Climate Action Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra is planned for Wednesday 20 November at 14.00 AZT (11.00 CET), in Press Conference Room 1 (Karabakh), Area D.
How is the EU enhancing green diplomacy during COP29?
MEP Lídia Pereira, Chair of the delegation, emphasized the need for a collective effort to advance global climate action. She highlighted the necessity for increased contributions from all countries. She noted that the global landscape has shifted since the 1990s, with the EU reducing its share of global emissions to 6% in 2023, while emissions from major emerging economies have continued to rise. Pereira pointed out that countries like China now have historical emissions comparable to the EU and suggested that all high-GDP, high-emission economies, including emerging ones like China and Saudi Arabia, should contribute financially to the post-2025 climate finance goal, which is expected to be finalized in Baku.
She also underlined the importance of the EU enhancing its green diplomacy by encouraging and supporting other nations to adopt or improve carbon pricing mechanisms similar to the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). Additionally, she suggested expanding the scope of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) through constructive dialogue with third countries. By doing so, Pereira argued, the EU could help establish an international level playing field, reduce carbon leakage, and bolster public support for climate action.
