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European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR)
News article19 March 2018Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations

The EU remains firmly committed to Climate Action and Sustainable Energy in the Southern Neighbourhood

Cooperation between the Northern and Southern shores of the Mediterranean is fundamental to tackle the climate challenges faced by the region. This has become a priority of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), which aims at promoting growth...

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Cooperation between the Northern and Southern shores of the Mediterranean is fundamental to tackle the climate challenges faced by the region. This has become a priority of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), which aims at promoting growth, sustainable living conditions, and ultimately stability and security in the region. Following the commitments outlined in the Paris Agreement, national and local authorities in the Southern Neighbourhood have been working together with the EU to enhance strategic planning towards low-carbon development and climate resilience.

As the effects of climate change surpass frontiers, a regional approach is needed in order to provide common answers. Three regional projects were set up to tackle these challenges: "ClimaSouth" supports the elaboration of climate change mitigation and adaptation policies in the region; "CES-MED" provides assistance to local authorities to respond more actively to sustainable policy challenges; and "SUDEP South" supports local energy actions leading to energy savings, energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources.

The Regional Conference on Climate Action & Sustainable Energy in the EU Neighbourhood South gives the opportunity to take stock of the relevant EU policies in the region, mark the completion of three current regional projects – ClimaSouth, CES-MED and SUDEP South – and share lessons learned.

The event will take place on 20th-21st March 2018 in Brussels (Charlemagne Building, Sicco Mansholt room). Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the Energy Union, Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, will deliver a keynote speech on 20th March at 17h.

  • Day 1 of the conference will focus on energy & climate governance and diplomacy. Further debates will develop the topics of Nationally Determined Contributions implementation and access to climate finance.
  • Day 2 of the conference will explore the urban dimension of climate action and the EU support to local sustainable development, with a focus on the Global Covenant of Mayors.

The conference will involve national focal points and local authorities from Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine and Tunisia. Representatives from the EU institutions, civil society and the private sector will also be present.

Details