The EU must align its climate diplomacy with industrial strategy to achieve its green goals.

The European Union is facing significant challenges in its quest for industrial decarbonisation, particularly in sectors like steel and chemicals. Rising energy prices due to geopolitical tensions and competition from countries like China are complicating the transition to a low-carbon economy. The EU’s current climate diplomacy lacks a focus on industrial partnerships, which are crucial for achieving the ambitious targets set by the Paris Agreement.

To address these issues, the EU needs a cohesive diplomatic strategy that prioritizes industrial transformation. Upcoming meetings of environment ministers should integrate discussions on decarbonisation and competitiveness. Learning from successful policies in countries like China and Japan, the EU must enhance international cooperation and funding for clean technology innovations, ensuring a unified approach to meet the challenges posed by global competitors.