Beijing, China – July 24, 2025 (PR) – In a rare demonstration of global alignment, the European Union and China today issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to climate cooperation, green trade, and the Paris Agreement. Amid rising geopolitical tensions, the statement positions climate action as a crucial area of continued collaboration between two of the world’s largest economies.
The announcement followed a high-level visit to Beijing by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa, who met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other senior officials on Thursday. As the United States steps back from international climate diplomacy, the EU–China statement signals a clear intent to reinforce global ambition and multilateral cooperation.
Notably, the statement comes just one day after the International Court of Justice handed down a landmark ruling reinforcing states’ legal obligations to protect people from the impacts of climate change.
Key elements of the EU-China joint statement include:
The EU and China call for “policy continuity and stability” among major economies and a clear “step up” in efforts to address climate change, signaling the need for more ambitious 2035 NDCs. Both parties confirm their intent to submit updated 2035 NDCs (national climate plans) before COP30, covering all sectors and greenhouse gases, aligned with the 1.5°C goal.
Reaffirming the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement as the cornerstone of international climate cooperation.
Emphasizing that climate collaboration holds “great and special significance” for upholding multilateralism and global climate governance.
Noting a “solid foundation and broad space” for deepening green cooperation, even amid rising trade tensions. The EU and China commit to enhanced bilateral cooperation in areas such as the energy transition and green economy.
Andreas Sieber, Associate Director of Policy and Campaigns at 350.org says: "This joint statement offers a timely stabilizing signal in an increasingly fragmented geopolitical landscape and the United States’ withdrawal from climate diplomacy. While this statement reflects a welcome willingness for cooperation, real and ambitious action must follow. Current ambition remains far too low. With COP30 fast approaching, the EU and China must go beyond committing to update their climate targets. Drawing the line for global heating at 1.5°C will require urgent, credible action, not just diplomatic symbolism."
Joint EU-China Press Statement on Climate
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union (EU) and the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the Paris Agreement, the Chinese and EU leaders hereby:
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Reiterate that in the fluid and turbulent international situation today, it is crucial that all countries, notably the major economies maintain policy continuity and stability and step up efforts to address climate change;
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Recognize that strengthening China-EU cooperation on climate change bears on the well-being of the peoples on both sides and is of great and special significance to upholding multilateralism and advancing global climate governance;
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Emphasize that the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement are the cornerstone of international climate cooperation, and that all parties should adhere to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of different national circumstances and implement the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement in a comprehensive, good-faith and effective manner;
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Recognize that the China-EU green partnership is an important part of the China-EU partnership, that green is the defining color of China-EU cooperation, and that the two sides have a solid foundation and broad space for cooperation in the field of green transition.
The two sides agree to demonstrate leadership together to drive a global just transition in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication and are committed to:
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Upholding the central role of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement and fully and faithfully implementing their goals their principles;
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Strengthening results-oriented actions, and turning their respective climate targets into tangible outcomes through systematic policies and concrete actions and measures;
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Working with all parties to support Brazil in hosting a successful 30th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP30) and promoting ambitious, equitable, balanced and inclusive outcomes of the conference;
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Accelerating the global renewable energy deployment and facilitating access to quality green technologies and products, so that they can be available, affordable and beneficial for all countries, including the developing countries;
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Enhancing adaptation efforts and support, in order to accelerate swift action at scale and at all levels, from local to global;
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Submitting before COP30 their respective 2035 NDCs covering all economic sectors and all greenhouse gases and in alignment with the long-term temperature goal of the Paris Agreement; and
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Enhancing bilateral cooperation in such areas as energy transition, adaptation, methane emissions management and control, carbon markets and green and low-carbon technologies to drive their respective green and low-carbon transition processes together.
