“I want Europe to strive for more by being the first climate-neutral continent.” This is how President Ursula von der Leyen opened the chapter on the European Green Deal in her political guidelines as then-candidate to chair the next European Commission. Now we are implementing that ambition towards 2050 and pursuing the climate neutrality vision not only in our own continent, but globally with our partners. The European Union aims to achieve no net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050. With our new target to cut EU greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, we are determined to play our part.

Going beyond the EU’s borders, we are promoting the Green Deal as an integral part of the EU’s response to the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement. It provides a compass to turn the COVID-19 crisis into an opportunity to rebuild our societies to be more resilient. Environmental sustainability and building back better after the COVID-19 pandemic are global goals – also shared by the 126 countries I am honoured to call ‘partners’ within my portfolio. We can also see others aligning themselves with our ambitious course. China set a climate target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. South Korea has set the same target for year 2050, the same as Japan. The United States is also returning to the global climate table.

Our recent ‘Biodiversity’ and ‘Farm to Fork’ strategies set out the EU’s ambitions to protect 30 % of land and sea areas in Europe and around the world and boost the transition to sustainable food systems. Our green recovery efforts will be based on a ‘do no harm’ principle, meaning that we will not support investment in fossil fuels or development of carbon intensive economic activities.

With the new multiannual financial framework, we also start our programming. This is a unique opportunity to set the course in line with the paradigm shift brought about by the 2030 Agenda, the Paris Agreement and the priorities of this Commission – especially when it comes to green, digital and human development. Our new budget includes a 30 % spending target for climate-related action and the requirement to contribute to the overall biodiversity target of 7.5 % from 2024 and up to 10 % from 2026 onwards. As one of the new elements, we are preparing flagship proposals, which we call Team Europe Initiatives. These will combine expertise and resources of the EU and its Member States in a strategic, coordinated and impactful way to work with our partners worldwide.

The year 2021 will be key for the EU to deliver on its green ambitions and show vision and leadership on the multilateral stage. The upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow and the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in Kunming as well as the Second Finance in Common Summit and the World Food Systems Summit, create a crucial momentum for our engagement.

We will join forces with our main partners, including governments, civil society, local authorities, financing institutions and the private sector. I want to work together on large and impactful initiatives, including NaturAfrica, which will bring visibility to Africa’s natural parks – focusing on people and planet, on the EU’s integrated response to tackle biodiversity loss, and to create decent and sustainable jobs.

In addition to specific programmes, it is critical to mainstream green action into our cooperation with partner countries, addressing the links with different policy areas. We need to develop integrated responses focusing on a green and fair transition, contributing to human development, post-COVID recovery and reduced inequalities. Education is a prime enabler for the green transition.

As President von der Leyen stated, “I want Europe to strive for more by strengthening our unique brand of responsible global leadership.” Europe will be stronger in the world if we succeed in building a global Green Deal with our partners. So, let’s make it happen!