The 21st Conference on Climate Change (COP21), organised by the French Presidency, will bring together delegates of 196 parties (195 countries and the European Union) from 30 November to 11 December 2015.
The objective is to achieve, for the first time in more than 20 years of negotiations in the United Nations, a universally binding climate agreement between all parties and aiming to keep global warming below 2°C. This agreement will succeed the Kyoto agreement from 2020.
The summit's work will officially begin on 30 November:
- The first day will be dedicated to some 150 heads of state and government who will officially launch the COP21 by calling for action against global warming.
- During the first week of the COP21, the negotiators, meeting within the United Nations working group, will continue their work, underway since the beginning of the year, in order to achieve a legible negotiation text, with clear and precise options.
- On 7 December, the Ministerial part of the COP21 will begin and the environment and climate ministers, representing 196 parties, will take up the gauntlet in order to broker a final agreement towards the end of the week.
The European Union will be represented at the COP21 by the Environment Minister Carole Dieschbourg and the European Commissioner for Climate and Energy, Miguel Arias Cañete.
During the 2nd semester of 2015, the Luxembourg Presidency has steered the discussions with a view to adopting an ambitious negotiating mandate. It has combined its efforts with those of the European Commission to ensure that the EU had its voice heard during the negotiations that were held throughout the second semester. It also has placed special emphasis on the issue of climate financing.