Informal meeting of EU environment and climate ministers begins in Denmark

An informal meeting of environment and climate ministers from EU member states has commenced in Denmark. The agenda includes several key issues: preparations for COP30, to be held in Brazil this year; the current state of Europe’s environment and EU climate policy; practical steps for a green transition; and establishing legal obligations to reduce plastic circulation. This was highlighted by Ukraine’s Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, Svitlana Grynchuk, on her Facebook page.

“Years ago, I had the honour of participating in events related to the signing of the Paris Agreement in 2015. Over the past decade, the world has changed beyond recognition. It has been a long journey ‘from Paris to Belém’ – from setting goals in 2015 to implementing all key elements of the Paris Agreement. This year in Belém, the agenda includes targets under new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), financing for their implementation, global adaptation goals, and forests,” the Minister explained.

Countries are required to submit their third NDCs, outlining national commitments for emissions reductions and adaptation measures for 2035.

“For Ukraine, which faces the daily consequences of war, contributing to these efforts is a challenging but critically important task. We are finalising the preparation of a comprehensive, quantified economy-wide NDC and plan to submit it ahead of COP30,” Svitlana Grynchuk noted.

The Minister also emphasised the importance of a just transition programme for Ukraine, which will create conditions for the country’s recovery and development. This transition is already enshrined in Ukraine’s national Climate Law.

Climate action and the green transition require long-term, predictable, and transitional financing. Svitlana Grynchuk drew her colleagues’ attention to the fact that access to the Green Climate Fund, the Adaptation Fund, and the new Loss and Damage Fund will be crucial for Ukraine to achieve its climate goals and contribute to global neutrality. Expectations for COP30 include meaningful dialogue on protecting forests and resilient ecosystems, as well as identifying effective tools for all countries.

“I thank Denmark and the Danish Minister for Climate, Energy, and Utilities, Lars Aagaard, for inviting me to join the informal meeting of EU environment and climate ministers. There are still many discussions ahead to ensure COP30 in Belém is a successful conference with ambitious and meaningful outcomes. In a year marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, we must unite under the 80-year-old United Nations to confront climate change and the illegal actions that undermine our shared global efforts,” the Minister stressed.