EU discussion on a joint climate stance is progressing slowly

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LUXEMBOURG (ANP) – The climate talks on how the EU countries will approach the upcoming international UN climate conference are not progressing smoothly. During a meeting of EU environment ministers, it appears that the positions on, among other things, an acceptable energy mix are far apart. The EU will soon negotiate as a single party with other parties during the global climate conference, which will take place from November 11 to 22 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The Netherlands, for example, is in favor of including nuclear energy as a means to achieve climate goals. “There are EU countries that are very much in favor of it, and EU countries that are more negative,” said Climate Minister Sophie Hermans on the sidelines of the meeting with her colleagues in Luxembourg. She emphasized that, as far as she is concerned, each country should be allowed to determine its ideal energy mix.

But Germany reportedly wants no reference to nuclear energy in the joint EU negotiating position, while France is a strong advocate. There are other differences of opinion as well. Poland, for example, does not want a strict reference to achieving the climate goals in 2040 in the text. Many EU countries want this to be included so that the EU can set a good example for other countries and parties next month in Baku.

It is not easy to find a compromise text that all EU countries can agree on. “That’s what we’re working on now,” said Hermans after a meeting that had already lasted nine hours and continued into the evening. The environment ministers intend to reach a joint position on Monday.

(October 14, 2024)

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