Europe and Africa should go to 28th UN Climate Conference, COP28, in Dubai at the end of November as allies with common interests, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday in Nairobi, Kenya, at the first African climate summit.
"Today I am here not only to listen to you but also to bring Europe’s offer to be your ally at COP28, and to work together on all issues on the agenda," she said in an address to the summit, "because however different our two continents may look, we share the same interests when it comes to climate action."
The European Commission President plans in particular to join African negotiators in defending a proposal for a global carbon tax and targets for the transition to green energy. She also wants to reach out to Africans to develop green bond markets on the continent.
$12 million for green hydrogen in Kenya
These are all levers that will help attract private capital for green investments in Africa, Ms. von der Leyen argued. In her address, she emphasised the role of the green transition as a driver of economic development for the African continent, with its enormous potential for renewable hydrogen and its wealth of crucial raw materials.
The European Union, through its Global Gateway international investment programme, is already investing billions in the green transition in Africa. In this regard, the Commission President on Tuesday announced €12 million for the development of green hydrogen in Kenya.
Belgian MEP Kathleen Van Brempt (Vooruit) also felt that an alliance with Africa was crucial in the fight against climate change. She was pleased with the emphasis placed on reciprocal partnerships, but stressed that “this also requires clear commitments on our part.”
Rich countries have not honoured their financial commitments, says Ms. Van Brempt
Ms. Van Brempt noted that rich countries have not honoured their financial commitments in the past. “Promised aid to combat climate change is overdue," she pointed out. "There is also a lack of a clear strategy on how to share our technology with African countries."
"These two elements are essential to this approach," she noted. "This is where the Commission needs to step in.”
COP28 will be held in Dubai from 30 November to 12 December.
