The International Dimension of the European Green Deal

The EU has a commendable story of global leadership on climate, setting a good example through its comprehensive approach and making practical, legally binding commitments to reach climate neutrality. Unlike the United States and other global players, with the European Green Deal and Fit for 55 package, Europe has put its money—and its policies—where its mouth is.

But this story will look less praiseworthy if the international implications of Europe’s transition are not adequately addressed.

If the EU wants to show global leadership on the climate transition at COP27 and beyond, it needs to change its international relations and internal economic policies to consider the complexities of the climate transition. Beyond the crucial focus on climate finance to help affected countries adapt, the EU urgently needs to explore new approaches to its international cooperation and trade partnerships. The EU’s leadership will be successful only if it enables other countries to advance on their own paths to sustainability, to achieve a Global Green Deal.

This policy brief draws on joint work of the Open Society European Policy Institute with The Club of Rome and SYSTEMIQ published in the International System Change Compass.