The Politics of European Union Climate Governance

Initiative Climate Change Policies and Governance
Type Discussion paper
Date 25 October 2018

Abstract

The European Union (EU) is facing a critical period as the European Commission draws up a 2050 climate strategy roadmap that is likely to form the basis for the EU’s next nationally determined contribution to the COP21 Paris Agreement. Until recently, the UK was the undisputed leader of the coalition of EU member states (the Green Growth Group) seeking more ambitious climate targets. Brexit, however, is likely to put an end to the UK-driven focus on market instruments to achieve climate targets. Instead, the Commission is now likely to turn to policies prioritizing emissions and energy targets.

Key insights:

The United Kingdom (UK) exit (Brexit) from the European Union (EU) is likely to strengthen the resolve of the EU to maintain global leadership at the Conference of Parties (COP).
Brexit is likely to contribute a changed approach toward climate policy from a focus on market instruments to policy targets.
A struggle has emerged for leadership within the Green Growth Group, with many coalition members seeking more ambitious climate targets.
Despite some changes in governments, the national climate position of EU member states remains stable.
Poland, perhaps supported by other coal-dependent countries, is likely to remain an obstacle to more ambitious EU climate targets.

Authors

Paul Mollet

Research Fellow Paul was a research fellow in the Policy and Decision Sciences program. He is a former journalist and energy market… Paul was a research fellow in the Policy and Decision Sciences program. He is a former journalist and energy market analyst with over 25 years of experience in international energy markets. He opened the first Gulf Cooperation Council bureau for the oil price reporting agency S&P Global Platts in Dubai in 1989 and later launched the first regional office for Argus Media. Paul has attended numerous OPEC meetings and written extensively about the oil industry in publications such as Platts Oilgram News, Argus Global Markets, and the Petroleum Economist. He was also the senior advisor to the Secretary-General at the World Energy Council (WEC).

Saleh Al Muhanna

Former Research Associate Saleh was a Research Associate in the Policy and Decision Science program. His interests lie in geopolitical research, international agreements… Saleh was a Research Associate in the Policy and Decision Science program. His interests lie in geopolitical research, international agreements and international trade. Saleh holds a master’s degree in International Commerce and Policy from George Mason University and a B.S. degree in Economics from Pennsylvania State University.

AlJawhara Al Quayid

Senior Research Associate As a senior research associate in the Climate and Sustainability program, Aljawhara focuses on research and advisory projects that are… As a senior research associate in the Climate and Sustainability program, Aljawhara focuses on research and advisory projects that are centered around public policy, development, and sustainability. Aljawhara holds a master’s degree in policy management from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Alfaisal University. She also holds a public leadership credential from the Harvard Kennedy School. During the Saudi G20 Presidency, Aljawhara coordinated one of the 11 Think 20 (T20) task forces that produced policy solutions to a wide range of challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to joining KAPSARC, she interned at KPMG’s Deal Advisory unit, where she worked on developing public-private partnership models for public sector clients.

Expertise