Resolution on the climate change conference in Cancun (COP16)

The Council adopted conclusions on the EU position for the Cancún climate conference, which is to discuss the global framework for climate protection. On the basis of this text, the October European Council will establish the EU position for this 16th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

In general, the Council states that:

• it is important that the Cancún Conference deliver a significant intermediate step, building on the Kyoto Protocol and paving the way towards a global and comprehensive legally binding framework, integrating the political guidance given in the Copenhagen Accord;
• it is crucial that the European Union and its Member States continue to play a constructive role and that they deliver a single message;
• it confirms the willingness of the European Union to consider a second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol provided the conditions set out in these conclusions are met;
• the EU will submit a comprehensive and transparent report on the implementation of its commitment on fast-start financing in Cancún and yearly thereafter and will underline the importance of further increasing transparency of climate change financing;
• the EU will reassess the situation after the Cancún Conference, including the examination of options to move beyond 20% greenhouse gas emission reductions to be prepared to react to the ongoing international climate negotiations; the Council is invited to report back on this issue by spring 2011;
• with seeking an international agreement, the EU will also develop a more diversified approach to engaging with key partners in areas of mutual interest that help them reduce their emissions. In this context, the EU encourages regional initiatives to tackle climate change and promote green growth such as the recent Mediterranean Initiative on Climate Change.

The EU expects the Cancún meeting to adopt a balanced set of decisions that contribute to the establishment of an international regime to protect the climate after 2012. The Council reiterated its preference that this should take the form of a single legally binding instrument. At the same time, it confirmed its willingness to consider a second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol if this were part of a wider outcome including the perspective of a global framework engaging all major economies.

The 16th Conference of Parties to the UNFCCC is to take place in Cancún, Mexico, from 29 November to 10 December.