Ecology

Europe’s climate leadership is the key for leveraging political traction with others and securing outcomes at the international climate negotiations. However, Europe has become more divided on climate and energy policy, which undermines its credibility as a global climate frontrunner. The EU should boost its climate diplomacy to strengthen alliances with a wider range of countries and communities. At the same time, it is crucial to build support within the EU and its Member States for a European energy transition. An energy transition based on renewable energy and energy efficiency can not only drastically reduce emissions and other environmental and social burdens; it also reduces energy import dependency and hence increases energy security, strengthens local economies, and creates jobs. The Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union aims to contribute to the development of sustainable and ambitious European climate and energy policies by means of publications, capacity buildings, expert meetings, and lunch debates.