Climate ambition and energy cooperation: key focus areas for the Energy Community Secretariat at COP 28

The Energy Community Secretariat, led by Director Artur Lorkowski, played a prominent role at COP 28 in Dubai, organizing and contributing to dynamic side events and discussions that emphasized the organization's dedication to advancing climate action and energy cooperation.

One notable highlight of the Secretariat's engagement was the organization of an event centered on "EU Legislation's Role in Catalyzing Climate Ambition in the EU Neighborhood." The discussion shed light on how Contracting Parties are elevating their climate goals by transposing and implementing adapted EU regulations. Distinguished speakers, including the Gert Jan Koopman, Director General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR), and Ditte Juul Jørgensen, Director General for Energy of the European Commission (DG ENER), shared their insights, providing valuable perspectives on this critical issue.

Director Lorkowski also engaged in discussions with Kadri Simson, the EU Commissioner for Energy, Ditte Juul Jørgensen, Director General for Energy of the European Commission (DG ENER), and high-level ministerial representatives from the Energy Community, addressing various topics such as EU enlargement, energy transition, national energy and climate plans (NECPs), demonstrating the Energy Community's commitment to fostering collaboration and addressing energy and climate challenges.

Another crucial aspect of the Energy Community Secretariat's participation was Director Lorkowski's contribution to the discussion on Ukraine's path to Net Zero by 2030 and 2050. He provided insights into Ukraine's green recovery and reconstruction efforts in alignment with the Energy Community climate and energy targets adopted by Ukraine, future NECP which is being coordinated by the Energy Community Secretariat, and long-term climate ambitions of Ukraine.

Furthermore, the Secretariat's team actively participated in numerous COP 28 discussions, making substantive contributions to deliberations on climate resilience, emission trading systems, support for Ukraine, financing renewable energy, and the essential role of National Energy and Climate Plans. The Energy Community continues to actively engage with the international community, showcasing its achievements and serving as an official Observer to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), closely monitoring negotiations and further developments under the UNFCCC.