EU Insight 28 November 2025

Brussels, 28 November 2025

LEADERS REAFFIRM COMMITMENT TO 1.5°C TARGET AND PARIS AGREEMENT DURING COP30

COP30 concluded in Belém, Brazil, with a Leaders’ Declaration reaffirming the Paris Agreement and the 1.5°C target, though observers judged the overall outcome underwhelming. The summit delivered incremental progress, including 59 global adaptation indicators, the Belém Action Mechanism for just transition, and steps on climate finance. Many contentious questions, notably regarding fossil fuel phaseout and deforestation, were largely left aside. Still, the talks recognised a stronger role for Indigenous communities and gender equity. The outcomes of this COP edition underline persistent divides between major blocs, while many warned the rate of action is still lagging behind the urgency of the climate crisis. Attention will now shift to Turkey, which will host COP31 next year.

US-RUSSIA PEACE PLAN TRIGGERS EUROPEAN PUSHBACK

Recent US-led efforts to broker a peace deal on Ukraine have sparked debate among Ukraine, European leaders, and the wider ‘Coalition of the Willing’. Officials have expressed concerns over proposed limits on Ukraine’s military and possible shifts of borders by force, emphasising that any agreement should respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and not be made without Ukrainian or wider European input. In a parliamentary debate, Commission President von der Leyen reaffirmed EU support for Ukraine’s accession and advocated for a settlement that ensures both Ukrainian security and broader European stability. Following the debate, MEPs passed a resolution urging the EU to support Kyiv, including with a reparations loan backed by frozen Russian assets, an issue set for further discussion at the December European Council summit.

EUROPEAN UNION AND AFRICAN UNION STRENGHTEN TIES, NOTABLY ON CLEAN ENERGY

African and European leaders met in Luanda, Angola, this week for the 7th EU-AU Summit, together with the EU-Africa Business Forum to strengthen economic ties and business partnerships. The agenda addressed shared priorities ranging from peace and security to sustainable economic development. Commission President von der Leyen and African Union leaders underscored the need for joint solutions to global challenges, including climate change. On this note, the EU and partners pledged €15.5 billion to support Africa’s clean energy transition, represented as a step toward expanding access to sustainable electricity. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to effective multilateralism in today’s shifting geopolitical landscape, and the need for a more interconnected, resilient, and mutually beneficial partnership between the two continents.

COMMISSION SETS OUT PLAN TO ADVANCE COMPETITIVE AND SUSTAINABLE EU BIOECONOMY

The Commission has launched a new strategic framework to advance a competitive and sustainable EU bioeconomy. This initiative aims to tap into Europe’s renewable biological resources to accelerate the shift towards a circular, low-carbon, and resilient economy. Key objectives include boosting bio-based industries, scaling up innovation, reducing reliance on fossil resources, and creating jobs, particularly in rural and coastal areas. The plan targets high-potential sectors like bioplastics, advanced bio-manufacturing, bio-based chemicals, construction materials, and sustainable agriculture. By mobilising both public and private investment and streamlining regulations, the Commission intends to turn innovative bio-based solutions into market-ready products, with the aim to position Europe as a global leader in bio-based production and strengthening its strategic autonomy.

PARLIAMENT AND COUNCIL AGREE ON EUROPEAN DEFENCE INDUSTRY PROGRAMME

After a year and a half of negotiations, the co-legislators have formally adopted the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), which succeeds EDIRPA with an expanded €1.5 billion budget. EDIP will operate under the new European armament framework, offering easier rules, VAT exemptions, and better financing options. It will also channel €300 million to a Ukraine Support Instrument, with Kyiv invited to participate. In parallel, the Council and Parliament both adopted their respective negotiating mandate on the so-called ‘Omnibus V’ package, with the overall aim to simplify defence procurement and permitting, reducing administrative barriers and supporting the development of a ‘military Schengen’ area.

COMING UP NEXT WEEK

• 1 December: Foreign Affairs Council. On the agenda: Military support for Ukraine, defence readiness.
• 1-2 December: Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council. On the agenda: Affordable housing, labour rights, European Semester, Critical Medicines Act.
• 3 December: College of Commissioners. On the agenda: Environmental Omnibus, EU Drugs Strategy, Economic Security Package, EU Market Integration and Efficient Supervision, Quality Jobs Roadmap, EU Agenda for Cities.
• 4-5 December: Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council. On the agenda: Roadworthiness package, telecommunications.