Brussels, 17 June 2022
“Check against delivery”
President Biden,
Special Envoy Kerry,
Thank you for your invitation and your leadership on climate action. Russia’s aggression has only strengthened Europe’s resolve to speed up the transition to clean energy. Today, we are not only overshooting the climate goals we have set in the past. We are also making our targets even more ambitious, and investing new resources.
That is why I am pleased to announce the European Union’s support to all five initiatives put forward by our US friends. First, on methane. Since the EU co-launched with the US the Global Methane Pledge, we have proposed new legislation aimed at reducing methane emissions along the entire supply chains of oil, gas and coal. I invite all major economies to make appropriate national plans.
Second, on zero-emissions vehicles. By 2035, all new cars and vans in Europe will have zero emissions. This will put us firmly on the road to climate neutrality.
Third, on clean energy innovation. The European Union has committed over EUR 28 billion by 2027 to bring new clean technologies to commercial scale, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors. Together, we will reach the bold target you are proposing for global innovation funding.
Fourth, on maritime transport. Europe is the first economy in the world to include the maritime sector in its Emissions Trading System. Let us all take up the Green Shipping Challenge, and bring it to COP27.
Finally, on food security. We have just proposed to mobilise an additional EUR 600 million to strengthen local production in vulnerable countries, on top of an overall package of EUR 3 billion for global food security. And I look forward to working with you on this, also in the UN and G7 framework.
The best reaction to Russian aggression and disinformation is a united global response.
Thank you.
Source – EU Commission