Kigali Climate Talks: EU Pledges €380M for Rural Climate Resilience and Agriculture

At the Kigali Climate Talks on Friday, Amparo Gonzalez Diez, the Team Leader for Agriculture and Environment at the EU Delegation to Rwanda, announced the EU’s significant climate goals for the coming years. The EU is investing €380 million in climate resilience funding, with a particular focus on rural areas and agricultural initiatives.

Diez outlined the EU’s ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030, all of which are detailed in the EU climate law. She emphasized the importance of following critical processes to reach these objectives, which include an ambitious target of a 90% reduction in emissions by 2040 and establishing new nationally determined contributions (NDCs) ahead of COP30 in 2025.

Expressing confidence in the EU’s ability to meet these goals, Diez mentioned that both the Commission and Member States are collaborating to implement the strategies outlined in EU climate legislation.

She also highlighted the EU’s commitment to strong partnerships with countries like Rwanda, illustrating the importance of supporting climate resilience in agriculture, which is not only vulnerable to climate impacts but also a significant source of emissions.

“We must persuade the private sector that an environmentally friendly approach offers a competitive edge rather than a disadvantage,” Diez stated. She pointed out the need for setting emission targets in agriculture to mitigate its environmental impact effectively.

In her concluding remarks, Diez reaffirmed the EU’s dedication to achieving its climate objectives and moving toward a more sustainable future for all. “With our programming extending to 2027, climate action continues to be a top priority, and we are committed to a comprehensive strategy to address the challenges ahead,” she asserted.

The EU’s announcements at the Second Edition of the Kigali Climate Talks demonstrate a firm commitment to addressing climate change and pursuing ambitious goals for sustainability.

As the discussions continue, it is clear that the EU is taking proactive steps to meet the pressing demands for global climate action.