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Today (04 October) the European Parliament approved the ratification of the Paris Agreement. In the presence of European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, the United Nation’s Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and the President of COP21 Ségolène Royal, the last hurdle was cleared, and the political process for the EU to ratify the Agreement was concluded.
‘Today the European Union turned climate ambition into climate action. The Paris Agreement is the first of its kind and it would not have been possible were it not for the European Union. Today we continued to show leadership and prove that, together, the European Union can deliver.’
JEAN-CLAUDE JUNCKER
European Commission President
So far, 62 parties, accounting for almost 52% of global emissions, have ratified the Paris Agreement. The Agreement will enter into force 30 days after at least 55 parties, representing at least 55% of global emissions, have ratified.
The EU ratification and deposit will cross the 55% emission threshold and therefore trigger the entry into force of the Paris Agreement.
‘Our collective task is to turn our commitments into action on the ground. And here Europe is ahead of the curve. We have the policies and tools to meet our targets, steer the global clean energy transition and modernise our economy. The world is moving and Europe is in a driver’s seat, confident and proud of leading the work to tackle climate change’.
MIGUEL ARIAS CAÑETE
Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy
The European Commission has already brought forward the legislative proposals to deliver on the EU’s commitment to reduce emissions in the European Union by at least 40% by 2030.
With today’s approval by the European Parliament, the Council can formally adopt the Decision. In parallel the EU Member States will ratify the Paris Agreement individually, in accordance with their national parliamentary processes.
Click here for more on the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
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