Eastern European States

Stance on Climate Change Negotiations

The group differs in attitude towards Russia, which translates into different policies on energy, an important topic on the COP climate agenda. While Baku, for instance, has concluded gas deals with Russia since its invasion of Ukraine, the EU has imposed extensive sanctions on Russian energy. The ban on Russian energy imports increases the incentive in EU member states to look for alternative energy supplies. However, many of the Eastern members, who see energy primarily in the light of security, focus on natural gas alternatives over renewables, a trend that has regained strength since the war in Ukraine. In fact, some CEEC have made efforts to slow down decarbonisation and to retreat climate commitments, jeopardising EU climate goals. Therefore, the EES are unlikely to take a too progressive stance in the renewable energy discussion on COP 29.

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​Tensions among the Eastern European States were illustrated by its struggle to decide on a host for the COP29. Because Russia vetoed the COP taking place in the EU, a strong supporter of Ukraine, Bulgaria had to withdraw its candidacy and paved the way for Baku.

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