At the Kigali Climate Talks held on Friday, Amparo Gonzalez Diez, Team Leader Agriculture and Environment EU Delegation to Rwanda, announced the EU’s ambitious climate targets for the coming years. Diez stated that the EU aims to become carbon neutral by 2050 and reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030, as set in the EU climate law.
Diez emphasized the importance of following key processes to achieve these targets, including a proposed 90% reduction of emissions by 2040 and the development of new national determined contributions (NDCs) for the EU ahead of COP30 in 2025.
Diez expressed confidence in the EU’s ability to meet these goals, stating that the Commission and Member States will work together to uphold the objectives set in the EU climate law.
Diez also highlighted the EU’s commitment to bilateral cooperation with partner countries like Rwanda, where the EU is working to provide €380 million in climate resilience funding for rural areas with a focus on agriculture.
She stressed the importance of engaging industries and agriculture in climate action, noting that both sectors play a significant role in emissions and adaptation efforts.
“We need to convince the private sector that being clean is a competitiveness trademark, not a liability,” Diez said. “And for agriculture, which is both a victim of climate change and an emitter, we must set emission targets to address its impact on the environment.”
She concluded by reaffirming the EU’s dedication to delivering on its climate targets and continuing to work towards a sustainable future for all.”With our programming process up to 2027, climate action remains a top priority, and we will continue to follow a comprehensive approach to address the challenges ahead,” Diez said.
The EU’s comment at the Second Edition of Kigali Climate Talks signals a strong commitment to fighting climate change and setting ambitious targets for a more sustainable future. As discussions continue, it is clear that the EU is taking proactive steps to address the urgent need for climate action on a global scale.