General climate policy updates

The Commission's report on the Global Energy and Climate Outlook was published on 26 January 2023. In it, the Commission finds that the current level of ambition of nationally determined contributions is insufficient to deliver on the Paris objectives since limiting global warming to the target of 1,5°C would see emissions fall by 85% by 2050. The EU and its Member States need to take further measures to meet the objectives set out in the Agreement and achieve emission reductions consistent with that target.

In particular, the EU should revise its own greenhouse gas emissions reduction target for 2030 to ensure it meets the goal of reducing emissions by at least 40% compared to 1990 levels. In parallel, it should review its policy framework to ensure that it supports the development of clean and sustainable energy for all European citizens. It should support the creation of a European electricity market that is robust and resilient to the challenges posed by climate change while ensuring the security of supply and affordable energy for consumers. It should also promote the adoption of climate-friendly farming practices and promote sustainable land use to support the fight against deforestation and other environmental impacts caused by the expansion of agriculture. Finally, it should ensure that Europe plays its part in leading the global fight against climate change by encouraging other countries to take similar action to reduce their emissions and strengthen their international commitments on climate change.

However, in 2021, some progress was made: as a result of effective policies in major emitting countries, reduced costs, and increased deployment of clean technologies, the temperature increase in the reference scenario was limited to 3°C instead of 3,2°C as in the report for 2021.

Investing in South Africa’s Just and Green Recovery is the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative Key Facts: The EU-South Africa partnership will focus on four main areas: Greening Economies and Climate Action; Sustainable Cities and Regions; Jobs for Youth and the Working Age Population; and Tackling Illicit Financial Flows.

As part of a Ministerial-level meeting between the European Union and South Africa, the European Commission, together with its Member States, officially launched the Team Europe Initiative on 27 January in Pretoria, South Africa.

In addition to providing support to South Africa's socioeconomic challenges, the partnership includes more than €280 million in grants. This new initiative will create sustainable jobs and support South Africa's greening economy, according to Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen. In this initiative, the EU, Member States, and European financial institutions aim to mobilize up to €300 billion for EU partners. Through it, sustainable, biodiversity-friendly, circular economies can be established, as well as domestic climate change goals can be met.