European Union Firmly Defends Carbon Border Levy at COP30, Cites Climate Integrity

Overview

At COP30, European Union Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra defended the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), stating it is a crucial climate instrument to prevent emissions leakage and protect Europe's carbon market, not a protectionist trade measure. Despite concerns from developing countries about administrative burdens, the EU is working to simplify the system and engage globally. Discussions also focused on advancing climate finance, with the EU committed to the Baku compromise on the New Collective Quantified Goal.