欧洲地中海研究委员会-预期和减轻副作用：欧洲-地中海地区绿色转型的成功之路（英）-2022.4-80页_5mb

Summary of ANTICIPATING AND MITIGATING SIDE EFFECTS: THE ROAD TO A SUCCESSFUL GREEN TRANSITION IN THE EURO-MEDITERRANEAN REGION

Core Content

This policy study, published by the European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed), explores the challenges and opportunities of the European Green Deal in the context of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation, particularly focusing on the Southern Neighbourhood (SN). It emphasizes the need for the EU to anticipate and mitigate the side effects of its internal climate policies when externalizing them to the SN and the Middle East.

Main Topics and Key Points

1. EU Green Deal Overview

• The EU has set ambitious climate goals: at least a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050.
• The Green Deal is a comprehensive policy framework aiming to transform economic systems and structures towards sustainability.
• The Fit for 55 strategy outlines the implementation guidelines for the next 10–15 years.

2. Green Transition in the Southern Neighbourhood

• The Southern Neighbourhood is a strategic priority for the EU, with the Renewed Partnership with the Southern Neighbourhood (2021) setting the green transition as one of five cooperation priorities.
• The green transition is framed around four pillars: green growth and climate action, energy transition and security, resource efficiency and environmental protection, and sustainable food systems.

3. EU External Environmental Impact

• The EU, as a major market economy, has a strong negative environmental impact on third countries due to its consumption patterns and trade policies.
• Traditional trade policies often fail to internalize environmental costs, leading to deforestation, land degradation, and increased carbon emissions in exporting countries.
• The EU's trade agreements with countries like Brazil and Argentina (Mercosur) have the potential to shift towards more sustainable practices.

4. External Effects of Internal Policy Decisions

• The EU's decarbonisation process can lead to positive external effects, especially in the European neighbourhood.
• The "Brussels effect" refers to the EU's influence on global market practices through its strict regulations and market access.
• EU regulations such as the GDPR, REACH, and aviation sector inclusion in ETS have global implications.

5. Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and Green Taxonomy

• The CBAM may have negative impacts on carbon-intensive industries in the SN, such as those in Morocco, Algeria, and Egypt.
• The EU Green Taxonomy classifies natural gas as a transitional fuel, which may not provide a comprehensive long-term solution for gas producers.
• To maximize the positive impact of CBAM, the EU should defer revenue to SN countries and support technological upgrades.

6. Green Hydrogen and Energy Transition

• Green hydrogen is seen as a promising technology for countries like Algeria and Morocco.
• The EU should support bilateral trade agreements and technical cooperation to facilitate the development of green hydrogen.
• The EU should establish a strategic committee with its southern partners to develop a roadmap for green hydrogen collaboration.

7. Climate Diplomacy and Green Finance

• Climate diplomacy and green finance must be paired to manage the future of trade patterns in carbon-intensive industries.
• The EU should mobilize incentives to attract green investments and mitigate political risks in the Middle East.
• The EU should externalize the Green Deal to ensure win-win outcomes and promote regional integration.

8. Role of EU Delegations and Regional Cooperation

• EU Delegations should cooperate more closely with the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) and financial institutions like the European Investment Bank (EIB).
• Bilateral and regional cooperation should be streamlined to enhance green initiatives and policy learning.
• The establishment of a green partner label could facilitate access to EU initiatives and funding for southern partners.

9. Challenges in the Middle East

• The MENA region is particularly vulnerable to the shift away from fossil fuels.
• The EU should support economic diversification in oil-exporting countries like Algeria and GCC states.
• GCC states have partial economic diversification, but petroleum still represents over 40% of GDP in most of them.
• The EU should leverage green diplomacy to promote climate-security and address regional interdependencies.

10. Recommendations

• Mainstream the energy-water nexus into policy developments.
• Strengthen existing green partnerships through high-level dialogue, roadmaps, and policy learning.
• Create a Mediterranean Renewable Energy Community to support green energy development.
• Establish financial mechanisms to secure green partnerships and mitigate risks.
• Promote cross-border cooperation between EU Delegations and international stakeholders.

Key Takeaways

• The EU's green transition has external implications, especially for the Southern Neighbourhood and MENA region.
• Equity and coherence between internal and external policies are essential for successful climate cooperation.
• Green hydrogen, renewable energy, and energy-water nexus are key areas for EU-SN collaboration.
• The EU's role in climate diplomacy and green finance is crucial for ensuring sustainable development and addressing climate security in the region.
• EU Delegations and regional institutions like the UfM should be strengthened to support cross-border cooperation.

Conclusion

This study highlights the complexity of the EU's external climate policy and the importance of strategic cooperation with Southern Mediterranean countries. It calls for a holistic and inclusive approach to climate action, emphasizing the need for diplomacy, finance, and technical support to mitigate negative side effects and achieve a successful green transition in the Euro-Mediterranean region.