Ref. Ares(2015)903885 - 02/03/2015
Mrs Federica Mogherini
High Representative of the Union for
Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Mr Maroš Šefčovič
Vice-President for Energy Union
Mr Miguel Arias Cañete
Commissioner for Climate Action and
Energy
23 February 2015
Dear Mrs Mogherini
Dear Mr Šefčovič
Dear Mr Arias Cañete
The United Nations climate conference in Paris in December 2015 has to deliver an
ambitious legally-binding agreement, which reflects the long-term objective of limiting
global warming below 2°C. This agreement should accelerate a transition towards a
low-carbon economy at a global scale, which will create quality jobs while paying
attention to those negatively impacted by the changes. It should also enable an
international level playing field by committing all major economies to the monitoring,
verification and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
The months ahead will be crucial to prepare the ground for a successful round of
negotiations in Paris. However, we are concerned that, at present, many crucial
elements of the architecture of the new global deal remain unclear, in particular with
the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs).
We therefore urge the EU to mobilize its network of diplomats, in partnership with the
Member States, in order to discuss the scope and content of INDCs with other
governments through bilateral contacts. It is of utmost importance that INDCs, which
can leverage opportunities to growth and investments, include the following minimum
information:
quantifiable information on the reference point (including, as appropriate, a base
year)
time frames and/or periods for implementation
scope and coverage for mitigation as well as, where appropriate, for adaptation and
provisions of finance
planning processes
assumptions and methodological approaches including those for estimating and
accounting for anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and, as appropriate,
removals.
Only through achieving transparent and comparable pledges from all major economies,
will we be in a position to build a meaningful agreement in Paris. We count on the EU
to play a strong role in this process.
Yours sincerely,
Markus J. Beyrer
Bernadette Ségol
Director General
General Secretary
BUSINESSEUROPE
ETUC
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