The road from COP27 to COP28: Workshop at senior official level on international climate action

A workshop on international climate action was held on 18–20 January for EU chief negotiators. This year, all delegates were invited to Stockholm during the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU.

The EU, which negotiates with one voice in the UN climate negotiations, met to discuss the road from COP27 to COP28 at a time that is becoming critical if the goals set for 2030 and beyond are to be achieved.

Several of the participating countries highlighted the importance of being clearer with what is hoped to be achieved. The workshop also served as a platform for discussions on matters such as gender equality in climate action and how to ensure that the EU raises its ambitions regarding its positions ahead of the climate change negotiations. The Swedish Presidency is coordinating work on the EU negotiating position ahead of the annual Bonn session in June 2023.

Other difficult issues addressed relating to climate negotiations included emission limits, loss and damage resulting from climate change, a just transition and climate finance.

The green transition and the Fit for 55 package are priorities of the Swedish Presidency.