The EU, Iceland and Norway agree to deepen their cooperation in climate action

28 Oct 2019 12:40 PM

Climate change is a global threat and demands global action: the more countries join forces, the bigger the chances we can master this major challenge of our generation. The European Union, Iceland and Norway recently (25 October 2019) agreed to extend their cooperation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.

High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security / Vice-President Federica Mogherini recently said:

“The climate crisis knows no borders. That's why we as the European Union, along with our closest partners, will continue to lead the global work to combat it. Only by working together can we live up to our responsibilities to promote peace and stability, protect our planet, and ensure that future generations do not pay the highest price.”

Commissioner for Climate Action and energy Miguel Arias Cañete added:”I welcome today's decision by the EEA Joint Committee. The EU, Iceland and Norway have again proven that cooperation across borders to combat climate change is not only necessary but also feasible, building on the successful cooperation for over ten years in the EU Emissions Trading System.”

Iceland and Norway participate in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) since 2008. In the next decade, the EU, Norway and Iceland will intensify their climate cooperation by also aligning their actions to reduce emissions from sectors outside the EU ETS, namely agriculture, transport, waste management and buildings; and to enhance benefits of carbon removals from land use and forestry. The recent agreement is an important step to deliver collectively on our respective commitments under the Paris Agreement on climate change.

The agreement is a result of close collaboration between the EU, Iceland and Norway. The recent decision reconfirms the political commitment and real delivery on the ground by the EU, Iceland and Norway of their pledges under the Paris Agreement as well as under the climate parts of the EU's 2030 climate and energy framework.

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