The Sustainability of the EU's Model for Climate Diplomacy

This new publication analyses the performance of the EU in the international climate change negotiations and considers the sustainability of the EU's model for climate diplomacy beyond the forthcoming Copenhagen Summit of December 2009. It discusses the increased involvement of diplomats in view of the fact that the climate negotiations are traditionally the remit of Environment Ministers. It is argued that, although the EU has a good track record in climate diplomacy, the increased magnitude of measures to be taken and the return of the US to the negotiations, may threaten the EU's ability to keep ranks closed. Expanded legislative EC competence in the field of climate policy and the possible entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty may bring the establishment of alternative models for external representation closer. A debate may start about handing over the final responsibility for the negotiations from the Environment Minister of the country holding the rotating Presidency to the European Commission or the new High Representative of the Union for Foreign and Security Policy, particularly if the EU were to perform below expectations in Copenhagen.