Signal EU and China reaffirm climate cooperation as the US retreats

Summary

With the US stepping back from climate action, whether China and the EU can lead the global response has become a central question. At their July 2025 summit, the two sides reaffirmed climate cooperation, green trade and implementation of the Paris Agreement and pledged stronger bilateral cooperation in the energy transition and green economy. Their joint statement reaffirmed the UN climate convention and the Paris Agreement as cornerstones of international climate cooperation. Both sides also pledged to submit updated 2035 national climate plans covering all sectors and greenhouse gases before COP30 in line with the 1.5 degree goal. Project Syndicate commentary cited by the report argues that meeting climate goals without America requires mutually beneficial partnerships tailored to emerging and developing economies.