Asset-Herausgeber

Europäische Union Klima und Energie

Publikationen

CRM Mining in Central Asia Region: Recommendations from Civil Society

by Danil Bekturganov

Both Issues of transparency and accountability in subsoil use have always been and remain crucial for local communities. According to the Constitutions of almost all Central Asia has significant reserves of such minerals, but the development of modern and profitable deposits has not received much attention, as the main priority has been coal, hydrocarbons, and traditional ores. This has now changed significantly, and interest from global producers in Central Asian CRM deposits is rapidly growing. Countries in the region are actively signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on CRM development, new companies are entering the exploration and production market, and significant investment is being attracted.  However, this process is associated with a number of risks that must be considered when planning investments. Civil society organizations frequently encounter complaints from local communities living in mining areas, and these complaints invariably focus on deteriorating quality of life - environmental issues, labour rights, land seizure, etc. - that significantly outweigh the benefits advertised at the project launch. Therefore, this paper puts forward a set of recommendations aimed at mitigating the impacts of mining projects and improving the quality of life of local communities.

9. Juni 2026
Europäische Union Klima und Energie

The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism: Opportunities, Challenges and Risks Ahead

by Jaroslaw Pietras

The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is the first large-scale attempt to align the carbon costs of imports with an internal emissions trading system. Having entered its definitive phase on 1 January 2026, CBAM aims primarily to prevent the risk of carbon leakage and to level competitive conditions for energy-intensive and trade-exposed (EITE) sectors subject to the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). The study provides an extensive evaluation of CBAM, its stated objectives, expected outcomes, core aims, opportunities, implementation challenges as well as systemic risks. The accompanying study reflects on key policy recommendations that were drawn from the study.

18. Mai 2026
Europäische Union Klima und Energie

The EU’s Global Gateway and Critical Raw Materials: A Latin American Perspective

by Juan M. Biset

The EU’s Global Gateway offers significant opportunities for cooperation with Latin America in the critical raw materials sector, provided partnerships are built on shared development goals rather than narrow supply considerations. Sustainable and mutually beneficial projects require attention not only to responsible mining, but also to social inclusion, environmental standards, and long‑term economic transformation. By combining infrastructure, institutional support, technology, and market access, Global Gateway can help convert Latin America’s mineral wealth into durable prosperity while strengthening the EU’s strategic position in an increasingly competitive geopolitical landscape.

13. April 2026
Europäische Union Klima und Energie

The EU CBAM: A Two-Way Street to Climate Integrity?

Adrien Assous, Meili Vanegas-Hernandez, Duncan Woods and Chloé Barré from Sandbag

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is an EU climate policy,  rather than an international trade policy. It aims to replace the current system  of free allocation of emission allowances to EU-based manufacturers under  the EU carbon market, which is a major obstacle to industrial decarbonisation  in Europe. Replacing free allocation is therefore an essential piece of the EU’s  increased climate ambition. The CBAM could enable the removal of up to  432 million free allowances per year, worth €35 billion no longer given to  EU factories.

25. August 2025
Europäische Union Klima und Energie

Fostering the financial dimensions for sustainable investment in the Med region

Marc-Antoine Eyl-Mazzega - Director, Center for Energy and Climate, Ifri

The Multinational Development Policy Dialogue of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in Brussels publishes a series of policy papers authored by various energy and policy experts that cover the relevant and timely topic of energy cooperation in the broader Mediterranean region. This policy paper by the author Marc-Antoine Eyl-Mazzega is the last of this series, and looks at fostering the financial dimensions for sustainable investment in the Med region

10. April 2025
Europäische Union Klima und Energie

Bridging Shores: How Renewable Energy Infrastructure Can Transform the Mediterranean Economy

Karim Elgendy - Associate Fellow at Chatham House and The Middle East Institute

The Multinational Development Policy Dialogue of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in Brussels publishes a series of policy papers authored by various energy and policy experts that cover the relevant and timely topic of energy cooperation in the broader Mediterranean region. This policy paper, written by Karim Elgendy, is the fifth in the series and explores how renewable energy infrastructure can transform the Mediterranean economy. It is presented as a policy briefing for the EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean.

3. April 2025
Europäische Union Klima und Energie

Improving the Security of Oil & Gas Supply Routes to Europe

Naji Abi-Aad - COO of Petroleb

The Multinational Development Policy Dialogue of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in Brussels publishes a series of policy papers authored by various energy and policy experts that cover the relevant and timely topic of energy cooperation in the broader Mediterranean region. This policy paper by the author Naji Abi-Aad is the fourth of this series, and looks at improving the security of oil and gas supply routes to Europe.

27. März 2025
Europäische Union Klima und Energie

The Member States’ Engagement on Climate Change at the UN

Yoni Ish-Hurwitz

This study examines the engagement of states on climate change in intergovernmental forums from 2021 to 2024, focusing on the European Union’s (EU) role and interactions with other states and groups. The report provides tailored insights into how the EU can reinforce its leadership and partnerships in climate diplomacy and dedicates attention to Germany’s contributions. Through an analysis of statements, voting patterns and thematic priorities across inter-governmental bodies like the United Nations General Assembly (GA), Human Rights Council (HRC), and UNFCCC COP, the report identifies states’ priorities and points out challenges and opportunities. The findings reveal a complex landscape, where shared global challenges coexist with persistent geopolitical and value-based divisions. While multilateral forums emphasize cooperation to tackle climate change, differences in priorities, tone, and emphasis create friction. Developed countries, including EU member states, lead on themes like climate action and human rights integration, whereas developing countries emphasize climate finance, equity-driven solutions, and historical responsibility. The EU emerges as a key actor in advancing global climate action, consistently advocating for the phasing out of fossil fuels, renewable energy transitions and human rights-based approaches. However, its similar role as the largest contributor of climate finance may be undercut by the more vocal demands of developing countries for climate finance and its rivals’ utilization of the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) to criticize developed countries. Germany appears to prioritize human rights and was also a member of the core group presenting the request to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to provide an advisory opinion on legal obligations in the context of climate change. The study highlights evolving geopolitical dynamics that influence climate diplomacy. The shared commitment of the EU and the Group of Latin American and Caribbean (GRULAC) to human rights offers opportunities to strengthen coalition-building. A better reflection of understanding to the concerns of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and other developing countries, particularly around climate finance, would also strengthen the EU’s position and capacity for effective multilateral engagement. This is especially critical in the face of China’s efforts to sow division and Russia’s attempts to spoil multilateral climate ambitions. The evolving stance of the US underscores the urgent need for agile and context-specific strategies. Building on these findings, the report offers actionable recommendations to strengthen the EU’s role in climate diplomacy by addressing the challenges and opportunities identified: 1. Acknowledge and support developing countries’ mitigation efforts. 2. Prioritize mitigation solutions in the EU to protect its reputation for fighting climate change. 3. Increase engagement on climate finance including by highlighting fulfilled EU pledges, supporting developing countries’ calls for loan restructuring and improved grant mechanisms, and advocating to address funding gaps for mitigation efforts. 4. Seek a common EU position on debt relief and financial institutions. 5. Advocate for human rights integration also at the UNFCCC COP and UNEA. 6. Partner with GRULAC on initiatives advocating for human rights integration. 7. Seek a common EU position on legal accountability, in anticipation of the ICJ’s advisory opinion and form a shared understanding with GRULAC and SIDS. 8. Collaborate with like-minded developing countries to clarify the distinction between CBDR and human rights. 9. Consider seeking a more nuanced clarification from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on CBDR. 10. Further investigate the roles of China and Taiwan and their influence on SIDS, as this may impact coalition-building. 11. Maintain close contacts with US representatives to anticipate changes. 12. Maintain Russia’s isolation to prevent spoiling of multilateral climate action. The report’s insights align with the overarching goal of enhancing the EU’s climate leadership while navigating the complex interplay of geopolitical alliances and thematic priorities. By implementing these recommendations, the EU can bolster partnerships with developing countries, counteract divisive narratives in multilateral forums, and ultimately, achieve greater success in advancing equitable and ambitious climate action.

25. März 2025
Europäische Union Klima und Energie

Navigating External Influences in the Mediterranean: Strategic Imperatives for the EU

Mehmet Öğütçü - Founder and CEO of the Global Resources Partnership

The Multinational Development Policy Dialogue of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in Brussels publishes a series of policy papers authored by various energy and policy experts that cover the relevant and timely topic of energy cooperation in the broader Mediterranean region. This policy paper by the author Mehmet Öğütçü is the third of this series, and looks at navigating external influences in the Mediterranean.

20. März 2025
Europäische Union Klima und Energie

Trans-Mediterranean Energy and Clean Tech Cooperation Initiative

Michele Governatori - Head of External Relations - Energy at ECCO

The Multinational Development Policy Dialogue of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in Brussels publishes a series of policy papers authored by various energy and policy experts that cover the relevant and timely topic of energy cooperation in the broader Mediterranean region. This policy paper by the author Michele Governatori is the second of this series, and looks at interconnecting energy grids and policies in the Med.

10. März 2025
Europäische Union Klima und Energie

Asset-Herausgeber

Über diese Reihe

„Europäische Union Klima und Energie“ ist eine Rubrik mit einer Reihe von Berichten und anderen Veröffentlichungen, die Einblick in die Ziele der EU im Bereich der Klima- und Energiepolitik geben. Jede Publikation in dieser Reihe konzentriert sich entweder auf das globale Engagement der EU für eine nachhaltige Klima- und Energiepolitik oder darauf, wie sich Klima- und Energieziele von Partnerländern auf die EU auswirken. Diese Reihe soll ein umfassendes Verständnis der EU-Strategien im Bereich der nachhaltigen Energiekooperation, der Anpassung an den Klimawandel und dessen Eindämmung sowie ihrer Partnerschaftspolitik im Bereich Klima und Energie vermitteln.

Dr. Olaf Wientzek
Portrait Olaf Wientzek
Leiter des Multinationalen Entwicklungsdialogs Brüssel
olaf.wientzek@kas.de +32 2 669 31 70

Louis Bout

Louis Bout
Programm-Manager Sicherheit und Handel
louis.bout@kas.de +32 66931 80

Sven Nicolay

Sven Nicolay Portrait
Programm-Manager Demokratie und Rechtsstaatlichkeit
sven.nicolay@kas.de +32 2 66931 71

Nicole Linsenbold

Nicole Linsenbold
Programm-Managerin Entwicklungs- und Klimapolitik
nicole.linsenbold@kas.de +32 66931 75