In the framework of the 25th Conference of the Parties (COP25) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which takes place in Madrid, Bas EICKHOUT (Greens/EFA, NL), Chair of delegation and by Peter LIESE (EPP, DE), Vice-Chair of EP delegation, make their final statements.

conference

statement

EICKHOUT, Bas (Greens/EFA, NL)

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (T)

Madrid

LIESE, Peter (EPP, DE)

fight against climate change (T)

COP 25 (T)

EP Delegation to COP25 Chile (Madrid): final statements by Bas EICKHOUT (Greens/EFA, NL), Chair of delegation and by Peter LIESE (EPP, DE), Vice-Chair of EP delegation

Exterior views of the COP 25 Madrid (2 shots) 

Views during the meeting with Yannick GLEMAREC, Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund (4 shots) 

SOUNDBITE (English), Bas EICKHOUT (Greens/EFA, NL), Yes, Europe is now adopting a 2050 climate intelligent target, but that it's clear that there's still a discussion how to get there, how to do that. And I think Poland is very much linking that to the budget negotiations that are still ongoing at the European level. So you will see, of course, also demands like, OK, if we are doing this huge transition on our economy and it's good that now all countries acknowledged we should do that. But that also on the other hand, that means something. This is a transition. This means that also some countries need to be helped more than the others. I think that is a signal that Poland is giving. And to be very honest, they have to have a good reason to do so.

SOUNDBITE (English), Bas EICKHOUT (Greens/EFA, NL), I think we have to be all honest to acknowledge that in Madrid that were just not enough countries ready to take the next step. The countries do feel the heat. I think Europe feels the heat as well. And that's why also this Greek deal presentation this week was important, but that has not translated yet into pledges on the table.

SOUNDBITE (English), Bas EICKHOUT (Greens/EFA, NL), We have one year to increase our ambition level. Europe has promised to increase its ambition level. Let's now make sure it's a good emission level. And it's also in time. And that means in time for the E.U. China summit in September. So that also E.U. and China can together put more ambition on the table. And with that, also invite other countries to do so.

SOUNDBITE (English), Bas EICKHOUT (Greens/EFA, NL), Let's hope that this is a start and that we start that we planted the seed for a year of ambition and that next year in Glasgow, we can call it a real success.

SOUNDBITE (English), Peter LIESE (EPP, DE), I hope we find a solution over the next month that Poland really commits. I would not make a problem about one or two years after 2050. But it shouldn't be much later. 

I think it is very much linked with the MFF discussions. There are good reasons that Poland will get less support from the traditional policies, like regional policy, because they are making progress, they made a lot of progress economically and they are not the poorest part of Europe anymore. But on the other hand, they have the biggest challenge when it comes to climate. And that is why the European Parliament very much supports this Just Transition Mechanism and significant part of it will go to Poland.

SOUNDBITE (English), Peter LIESE (EPP, DE), The Polish government is under massive pressure from the citizens. The opposition is for much more ambitious climate policy, that is already clear and also young people in Poland go to the streets. According to a survey, 70 percent of the Polish citizens are for ambitious climate policy. So also for national politic reasons, they cannot block the whole thing.

SOUNDBITE (English), Peter LIESE (EPP, DE), If we put the right pressure, if we really give the right signal from Europe, we can make a significant move in the course of the years. And we will come closer to the 2 &deg;C target, when, for example, South Africa, China, India, Canada will move together with Europe. And then, of course, we need to hope for a change of Government in the United States.