This is indeed an extraordinary day. A historic day. A day when we put to bed any doubts that the whole EU is fully committed to joining the Paris Agreement. Today we are again showing global leadership on climate action, just like we did in Paris by helping craft this landmark deal. Our reputation was on the line because remember: They said Europe is too complicated to agree quickly. They said we had too many hoops to jump through. They said we were all talk. They even started to question whether our heart was really in it. Today we clearly showed that we mean business. Today's agreement shows unity and solidarity as Member States take a European approach, just as we did in Paris. This is what Europe is all about. In difficult times, we get our act together, and we make the difference. -- Ratification of the Paris agreement, 30 September 2016
Miguel Arias Cañete
Posted by Isabelle le 2016-10-02
If anyone remains that doesn't share the Paris Spirit - or who still wants to continue arguing instead of acting –let me quote the Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw: "People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it".
Miguel Arias Cañete
Posted by Isabelle le 2016-05-01
Today, I would like to tell you a story. A story about how Europe and its allies shaped the Paris deal. A story about how Europe and its allies managed to put pressure on the big emitters. A story about how Europe and its allies made history. Commissioner Arias Cañete, Historic Climate Deal in Europe, 14 December 2015
Miguel Arias Cañete
Posted by Isabelle le 2016-03-09