The natural disasters in Greece are a stark reminder that the climate crisis is already a reality, said European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Pauliina Urpilainen in an interview with the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA).
It is for this reason that she stressed that “our response is twofold. First, we must continue to take decisive climate action in Europe to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. We must reduce emissions and transform our economies, while ensuring a just transition.
“Europe represents around 10% of global CO2 emissions. That is why, secondly, we must help our partner countries mitigate and adapt to climate change, and rally the global community to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. Around 35% of the EU’s external action budget is earmarked for climate action. Climate and energy are priority sectors under Global Gateway,” she said.
The full interview with Jutta Pauliina Urpilainen at ANA-MPA and Chrysostomos Bikatzik follows:
Q: This European Commission is a “geopolitical Commission”. Can you explain to me what this means and how to achieve it?
A: The concept was coined in recognition that many of the challenges we face are inherently global: the climate crisis and biodiversity loss know no borders and technological advances make us interconnected. Unfortunately, the disappearance of democracy is another global trend.
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The EU and the European Commission had to take up the challenge. During the mandate of this Commission, we have streamlined our financing instruments and moved from traditional development cooperation to mutually beneficial international partnerships.
The Commission’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its leadership in condemning Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine demonstrate the emergence of a geopolitical Commission.
Q: Is the EU a world leader in official development assistance? And in what direction is the money of European citizens channeled and what are the priorities at the moment?
A: The EU and its Member States together constitute the world’s largest provider of official development assistance. Based on preliminary OECD figures, we provided almost €93 billion in 2022.
Naturally, Ukraine is the top geographic priority. We promised to stand by the Ukrainians for as long as necessary and help them rebuild their homeland. But as Commissioner for International Partnerships, I am pleased to say that support for the EU’s immediate neighborhood has not come at the expense of partner countries in other regions.
Our ultimate goal is to help the global community achieve socially, environmentally and economically sustainable development. In today’s world, infrastructure is at the center of the transformation of societies. For example, the clean energy mix requires investments in renewable energy production. In December 2021, we launched Global Gateway, the EU’s comprehensive global investment strategy, which also covers soft infrastructure and an enabling environment. Throughout my tenure, my personal priority has been education. Basic education and skills development are crucial elements of Global Gateway.
Q: Combating the climate crisis is one of the priorities. In Greece, we are already suffering the tragic consequences. The challenge is global. In what direction should European initiatives go?
A: The natural disasters in Greece are a stark reminder that the climate crisis is already a reality.
Our response is twofold. First, we must continue to take decisive climate action in Europe to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. We must reduce emissions and transform our economies, while ensuring a just transition.
Europe represents around 10% of global CO2 emissions. That is why, secondly, we must help our partner countries mitigate and adapt to climate change, and rally the global community to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. Around 35% of the EU’s external action budget is earmarked for climate action. Climate and energy are priority sectors under Global Gateway.
Q: But many people say that there will be no results – in terms of prevention – if polluting countries do not come under (strong) pressure to reduce their environmental footprint.
A: Indeed, everyone must do their fair share. This is what the EU advocates on the world stage. In addition to reducing their emissions, developed countries must find ways to make adequate climate finance available to middle- and low-income countries. This has been the subject of much debate within the G20 recently. The EU calls for reform of multilateral development banks, particularly the World Bank, to better respond to pressing needs.
Last week, at the SDG Summit in New York, President von der Leyen mentioned carbon pricing as an important tool that could support the global fight against climate change. Through carbon pricing, it is possible to create incentives for innovation and collect revenue from those who pollute. Currently, only 20% of global emissions are covered by carbon pricing.
Q: Furthermore, some (some say many) argue that the EU is belatedly trying to strengthen its relations with countries where the influence of Russia and China is strong or catalytic, such as in Africa and with the countries with energy reserves.
A: If we take Africa for example, the EU has been and continues to be its largest trading partner, source of foreign investment and provider of aid.
But it is true that geopolitical competition has intensified. Africa is a geopolitical hotspot where all the major players are present. We too have become more strategic in our partnership with Africa. Global Gateway is our positive partnership offering. It aims to mobilize investments worth 300 billion euros in strategic sectors. Half of these investments – 150 billion euros – will benefit Africa.
With Global Gateway, we help our partners reduce unsustainable dependencies and become more resilient and self-reliant in sectors such as energy, food security and health. According to the numerous discussions I have had with African leaders, our offer stands out well compared to other existing offers.
Q: And the last question concerns the topic of the discussion you participated in at the Athens Democracy Forum here in Athens, “The Clash of Civilizational States,” which focused on the definition of “civilizational states.” , asking if they reject the supposedly universal values of the West. What is the ideal concept of a modern state – and does it necessarily include democracy? More importantly, is there any hope of finding common ground?
A: I believe in European values, particularly democracy. We humans desire to be free, but not alone: we are willing to give up some of our individualistic freedom in exchange for a functioning society, protection and the rule of law. A good society has a fair balance of freedoms and responsibilities, and this balance can only be achieved through an inclusive democratic process.
We have ample evidence that democratic states succeed best – or fail least – in terms of long-term economic prosperity, sustainable development, and citizen well-being. Authoritarian states struggle to ensure continuity due to lack of trust. If the system is based on oppression and inequality, there is no solidarity. External shocks reveal the internal weaknesses of these systems and cause them to collapse.
I trust youth. Everywhere I go, the majority of young people adhere to European values and understand the importance of sustainable development. I have made the empowerment and participation of young people, particularly in participatory democratic processes, a priority of my mandate.
SOURCE; ANA-MPA