Minister of Agriculture Maria Panayiotou is travelling to Belem, Brazil, to participate in the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30).
According to a Ministry announcement, Panayiotou will participate in the negotiations on behalf of the European Union, as the incoming Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Together with her Danish counterpart, as the outgoing Presidency, they will have an enhanced role in discussions with third countries on key issues, supporting the EU position as reflected in the Council Conclusions, which constitute a balanced and commonly agreed framework for negotiations.
A press release by the Ministry recalls that the EU is calling for more ambitious results in reducing emissions and promoting concrete adaptation measures. Ongoing discussions on possible new financial commitments are intense, the press release says.
As regards the energy sector, it is noted that Brazil is promoting a roadmap for the gradual transition away from fossil fuels, an initiative supported by many EU member states.
On the sidelines of the Conference, the Minister is set to have meetings with the European Commissioner, responsible for the environment, as well as bilateral contacts with the Environment Minister of Iceland, with the aim of strengthening cooperation on climate, energy and resilience issues.
She will also meet with her Danish counterpart for coordination on issues related to COP30 and the EU Presidency.
COP30 focuses on the transition from the planning phase to the full implementation of the commitments of the Paris Agreement, with the aim of reducing global emissions, accelerating the transition to clean energy and strengthening resilience to the impacts of climate change.
It also places particular emphasis on the protection of forests and biodiversity, on a just transition so that no community is left behind, on strengthening financing for climate action, on the dissemination of clean technologies and on recognizing the role of indigenous peoples in the management of ecosystems.
The meetings so far have highlighted the need for all countries to present clear progress in reducing emissions through updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).