The EESC is pleased to see its recommendations reflected in the European Commission’s proposals for a European Climate Pact that supports existing and new climate action via peer learning, education, capacity building, the removal of barriers, and easier access to finance.
By introducing the concept of global carbon neutrality, the Paris Agreement changed political discourse and put governments and stakeholders on an action-oriented pathway. This outcome would not have been possible without the unprecedented mobilisation of all civil society stakeholders. Active participation of “all parts of society” is a prerequisite for climate policy to be successful within the EU.
EESC member Peter Schmidt said: “The Climate Pact is an important opportunity to model an innovative participatory approach, which will mirror, support and inspire action already happening in civil society, within communities, cities and regions.”
The EESC wants to engage with the European Commission and other EU bodies to co-create a European Climate Pact Stakeholder Platform based on the principles of inclusiveness, transparency and genuine participation, and ownership by climate actors at all levels.
In addition, setting up an EU Climate Finance Forum as part of the Pact would stimulate truly mutual learning processes, facilitate access to finance and remove barriers. A mechanism for youth engagement in climate and sustainability, like the Youth Climate and Sustainability Round Tables proposed by the EESC, should be an integral part of this Pact. (mr)
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