European Union

In addressing the North-South divide in climate negotiations, the European Union frequently underscores the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities.” Yet, while the EU recognizes its historical role as a major emitter, its approach tends to focus on "shared global efforts." This framing allows the EU to call for greater climate action from developing nations, even as it offers only modest financial assistance to help these countries transition. The EU’s policy acknowledges the inequality in climate impacts, but its actions reveal a reluctance to fully compensate for past emissions. The call for collective responsibility, in practice, often masks the EU’s unwillingness to bear the bulk of the financial burden. Developing nations, meanwhile, argue that the EU’s contributions are insufficient to address the profound disparities between those responsible for climate change and those suffering its consequences.

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Despite promoting ambitious climate action for all, the EU has struggled to meet its own financial commitments, creating friction with developing nations during COP negotiations.