The EU’s (vague) climate aid stance: Want more money? Get more donors.

By Zia Weise | 10/09/2024 06:17 AM EDT

At COP29, the world’s countries will have to hash out a new long-term financial goal to help developing nations.

BRUSSELS — Ahead of next month’s United Nations climate summit, the European Union is playing its cards close to its chest.

The bloc’s finance ministers on Tuesday approved the 27 countries’ joint negotiating position regarding the central issue of the upcoming summit — funding for climate action — but did not reveal how much cash EU governments would be willing to put up.

That’s a deliberate negotiating tactic, two European diplomats and one EU official confirmed, as the bloc — much like other developed countries — wants to make the precise amount of funding contingent on expanding the group of donors.

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“I don’t expect a number to be announced before COP. This is a negotiation after all,” said the EU official, granted anonymity to discuss diplomatic matters. “And the final number will also depend on the make-up of the donor base and the overall structure” of the funding target.

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