In strong terms, Dutchman Hoekstra said that much more action is first required from other countries before the EU wants to pull the plug. Many countries are looking at our rich Western continent and asking for more money, including now that the United States has left the Paris climate agreement, meaning an important financier has disappeared.
But Hoekstra is still keeping a close eye on things and is ‘fierce’ about it, an insider tells De Telegraaf. He receives broad support for this tough stance from European government leaders present, including Dutch minister Sophie Hermans and her French colleague Monique Barbut.
‘Paying too much attention to Arab countries’
The insider reports that the Brazilian organization has listened too much to the Arab countries, which ‘often get their way’. It is precisely those countries that are trying to water down explanations so that their revenue model from oil and gas extraction is not affected.
Hoekstra tries to convince those present in Belém to do more. “Here we are surrounded by nature and by people who feel the full impact of climate change. Like no other. Last Saturday, thousands of people took to the streets in Belém to demand that we take action. To reduce emissions, to move away from fossil fuels. And that in a just and fair way. And we agree with that.”
European Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra, outgoing minister Sophie Hermans and Prince Jaime de Bourbon de Parme warn: other countries must also deliver at the climate summit
Hoekstra then fiercely targeted others. “And then look at the text! Look at it! There’s nothing in it,” he said about the measures that need to be taken to reduce emissions.
Security outside at the climate summit in Belém, Brazil. © ANP / HH
‘Weakness instead of measures’
According to Hoekstra, he sees ‘weakness instead of measures’. “Weakness in mitigation and a clear violation of last year’s agreement. I will be equally clear: under no circumstances will we accept this.”
Hoekstra says he wants to negotiate for a “few hours” and puts his package of demands on the table. If no action is taken, the top could become a big flop.
