EU environment and climate ministers meet in Luxembourg - EU positions for UN Climate Change Conference COP30 on agenda
The EU environment ministers will meet in Luxembourg on Tuesday 21 October. The ministers are expected to adopt Council conclusions on the preparations for the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) and on the Water Resilience Strategy. The ministers will also discuss the European Ocean Pact proposed by the European Commission. Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala will represent Finland at the meeting.
EU’s general position for Climate Change Conference COP30 in November
The conclusions to be adopted will serve as the EU’s general negotiating position at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), which will take place in Belém, Brazil from 10 to 21 November. At COP30, the focus will be on boosting climate action to reach the goals: the countries are expected to update their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) before the conference in Belém. The global adaptation indicators will be one of the key themes in the negotiations.
In the conclusions the EU urges all parties, especially countries causing the highest emissions, to submit their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) as soon as possible. The aim for the EU is to agree on its own NDCs before the conference in Belém. The EU also considers it important that the outcome document of COP30 will recognise the gap between emissions and actions and give clear recommendations for the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
The EU stresses that it is important to reach a common understanding on the adaptation indicators. The indicators will measure the progress towards achieving the global target concerning adaptation.
Finland considers that the conclusions provide good basis for the EU’s negotiation mandate at the Climate Change Conference in Belém and address the key targets for COP30, especially those related to the parties’ new emission reduction targets and their adequacy in terms of reaching the 1.5 degree target.
“The EU must maintain its central position in the implementation of the Paris Climate Change Agreement. By setting an example, we can also boost climate action in other countries. Finland will continue to showcase its success story in how phasing out fossil energy can lower the costs and provide the keys to growth,” Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala says.
Finland supports objectives of EU Water Resilience Strategy
The ministers will seek to approve conclusions on the European Water Resilience Strategy adopted by the European Commission in June 2025. The strategy and its about 30 flagship actions aim to improve the access to and quality of drinking water, promote the circularity and efficient use of water, and support a sustainable and competitive water-smart economy. The aim is also to strengthen the EU’s international role in water-related matters.
Finland supports the objectives set in the European Commission’s Water Resilience Strategy and the comprehensive approach to the water sector adopted in them. Finland considers that the Commission’s Water Resilience Strategy contributes to promoting Finland’s priorities, which include strengthening Europe’s strategic competitiveness, enhancing comprehensive security and clean transition, and improving the opportunities related to the bioeconomy and circular economy. Water resilience is also a key component of societies’ overall sustainability and crisis resilience.
Exchange of views on European Ocean Pact
The meeting will discuss the European Ocean Pact, an initiative launched by the European Commission. The aim of the Commission is to strengthen the EU’s ocean policy in six priority areas, including restoring marine ecosystems, boosting the blue economy and supporting coastal communities.
Inquiries
Lyydia Ylönen
Special Adviser to Minister Multala
tel. +358 50 476 1341
[email protected]
COP30
Marjo Nummelin
Chief Negotiator, Ministry of the Environment
tel. +358 40 523 3710
[email protected]
Water Resilience Strategy
Annukka Lipponen
Chief Specialist on Water Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
tel. +358 295 162 067
[email protected]
European Ocean Pact
Jussi Soramäki
Senior Ministerial Adviser, Prime Minister’s Office
tel. +358 295 160 330