PARIS: France has warned it could block the disbursement of European Union climate funds to India under a recent trade agreement if New Delhi does not strengthen its efforts to combat global warming.
France’s Ecological Transition Minister Monique Barbut said the European Union should adopt a firmer and more “transactional” approach in climate negotiations with emerging economies.
Funding linked to climate commitments
Speaking to AFP, Barbut referred to a trade deal signed between India and the EU in January, under which Brussels is expected to provide 500 million euros ($574 million) to support India’s green transition.
She said France was not in favour of releasing the funds until India submits an updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) aligned with its commitments under the Paris Agreement.
“I am not in favour of such funding until India submits a Nationally Determined Contribution in accordance with its commitments,” she said.
Pressure on major emitters
NDCs are national plans outlining steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which signatories to the Paris Agreement are required to submit every five years.
More than 60 countries, including India, Egypt and the Philippines, have yet to submit updated plans after missing a United Nations deadline last year.
India is currently the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases globally, after China and the United States.
EU urged to adopt tougher stance
Barbut said the EU should ensure that financial support is tied to credible climate commitments from recipient countries.
“This clearly means: ‘We only pay if you act’,” she said, adding that she had communicated her position to the European Commission.
EU climate ministers are scheduled to discuss the bloc’s climate diplomacy during a meeting in Brussels on Tuesday.