European Commission Unveils Global Strategy to Strengthen EU’s Role in Clean Energy and Climate Diplomacy

The European Commission and the High Representative have unveiled a new international strategy aimed at securing Europe’s position in global clean energy and climate markets. The initiative, part of the EU’s broader Clean Industrial Deal, sets out an ambitious vision to leverage diplomacy, innovation, and sustainable partnerships to drive the global clean transition while protecting Europe’s strategic interests.

According to the Commission, the EU’s global climate and energy vision seeks to establish the bloc as the world’s clean industrial powerhouse — providing renewable and adaptation solutions, boosting competitiveness, and creating new business opportunities for Europe’s clean tech sector. The strategy emphasizes the importance of renewables in strengthening energy independence, noting that nearly half of the EU’s electricity was generated from renewable sources in 2024. Since 2015, the EU has also seen a 111% rise in clean energy investments, reinforcing its leadership in sustainable technologies.

The new vision introduces an external dimension to the Clean Industrial Deal by expanding partnerships and trade alliances. It aims to boost EU clean technology manufacturing capacity to 15% of the global market, in line with efforts to enhance industrial competitiveness.

The Commission reaffirmed the EU’s dedication to a rules-based international order and its ongoing commitment to the Paris Agreement. It highlighted that Europe remains “a reliable partner that plays by the rules and is open for business and cooperation.” The strategy outlines plans to deepen collaboration through Free Trade Agreements, Green Alliances, and Just Energy Transition Partnerships, while promoting carbon pricing as a key mechanism to reduce emissions and ensure a fair global transition away from fossil fuels.

The EU also intends to strengthen its engagement on the nexus between climate change, environmental degradation, and security, through multilateral cooperation with organizations such as the UN and NATO. This includes implementing the 2023 Joint Communication on the Climate-Security Nexus and addressing climate-related disinformation.

Key strategic actions outlined in the EU’s new vision include:

Injecting political momentum: Driving international efforts through multilateral and bilateral fora to meet Paris Agreement and Global Stocktake commitments.

Boosting EU clean tech businesses: Establishing an EU external Clean Transition Business Council, organizing business fora, and scaling up climate-resilient investments.

Connecting European businesses globally: Utilizing the Global Gateway Investment Hub and Global Europe envelope to support EU-led projects abroad and raise global demand for European technology.

Expanding clean trade and investment partnerships: Strengthening value chains through new free trade and investment agreements.

Reforming global financial systems: Promoting reforms in financial institutions to accelerate a clean and resilient transition while enhancing EU efforts on climate security.

With this comprehensive strategy, the EU aims to reinforce its global leadership in clean energy, foster sustainable partnerships, and position Europe at the forefront of the ongoing clean industrial revolution.