AUTHORS: Wang Binbin, Huo Li and Pang Rui (Institute of Carbon Neutrality, Peking University), Chiara Antonelli, Irene Chiocchetti and Laure-Lou Tremblay (IEEP), Mei Yan, Guo Chun and Su Xiaoxiao (CGTN Europe)
IEEP, in cooperation with Peking University and CGTN Europe, produced a report on the history of China-EU climate cooperation from four key perspectives: climate mitigation through energy transition, climate adaptation and synergies, climate finance and climate action, and exploring prospects for future cooperation. Based on this short review, we recommend that China and the EU work together as twin engines to show their joint leadership for global climate governance and promote a green transition marked by justice and inclusiveness. This partnership can mobilise further climate action towards a sustainable future with hope for all.
The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union, an important milestone connecting the past and the future.
Climate change remains one of the most urgent global challenges, posing significant risks to both populations and ecosystems. Changing natural systems and making weather more extreme, climate change adversely impacts key features of our societies, from health and well-being to food production, infrastructure and water availability. Pivotal actions and coordinated global efforts are needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change . The international climate negotiation process under the United Nations framework officially began global climate governance in 1990. Over the subsequent three decades, global climate governance has evolved continuously, achieving many positive developments despite the numerous challenges. In parallel, cooperation between China and the EU in the field of climate change began as early as the 1990s. China’s rapid development in renewable energy has complemented, over time, the EU’s expertise in clean energy technology. This collaboration has resulted in significant achievements for both sides.
To further foster cooperation on climate between Chinese and EU leaders, a high-level dialogue mechanism on environment and climate was established between the two blocs in 2020. So far, the two blocs have held five consecutive high-level dialogues on climate and environment, further deepening the China-EU green partnership and jointly contributing to the multilateral process of climate governance. As highlighted during the Fourth China-EU High-Level Environment and Climate Dialogue that green is the distinctive colour of China-EU cooperation. While geopolitical challenges still hold, the cooperation on climate between two of the largest economies in the world shows that multilateralism is crucial in addressing climate change.
The report, which was produced and presented on 14 May in Brussels, examines the history of China-EU climate cooperation from four key perspectives: climate mitigation through energy transition; climate adaptation and synergies; climate finance and climate action; and exploring prospects for future cooperation. Based on this brief review, the recommendations suggest that China and the EU should collaborate as joint leaders in global climate governance. This partnership has the potential to drive further climate action, paving the way for a more robust coordinated action on climate.
Given the rapid changes that have occurred over the past century and the interconnected international landscape, China and the EU need to improve strategic and transparent communication, strengthen mutual partnership awareness, expand open cooperation and uphold multilateralism. These actions are needed in order to contribute to the advancement of China-EU relations, ultimately aiding in efforts to promote global stability and prosperity.
The report suggests that China and the European Union should keep strong political momentum in international climate governance and collaborate to accelerate the global green transition. It is also crucial for China and the EU to specifically promote fair and inclusive pathways, explore innovative multi-faceted solutions, and mobilise more grassroots climate actions.
