The European Union and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on major environmental challenges, including biodiversity protection, plastic pollution, and chemical pollution. During the 11th EU-China Environment Policy Dialogue in Brussels, both sides agreed to deepen collaboration ahead of key international negotiations, including the Global Plastics Treaty talks and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) COP17. The discussions also covered PFAS pollution, nature financing, and implementation of global biodiversity commitments, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in addressing shared environmental challenges.
Key Overview
- EU and China reaffirm commitment to tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
- Both sides pledged to support negotiations on a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty.
- Discussions focused on biodiversity, PFAS pollution, nature credits, and environmental multilateralism.
- The dialogue prepares both partners for major global environmental negotiations later this year.
EU and China strengthen environmental cooperation
The European Union and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on global environmental challenges during the 11th EU-China Environment Policy Dialogue held in Brussels.
The meeting was co-chaired by European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall and China’s Minister for Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu. The dialogue focused on expanding environmental cooperation while preparing for several major international environmental negotiations scheduled later this year.
Both parties emphasized that stronger international collaboration remains essential in tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and other environmental pressures that increasingly affect countries worldwide.
Focus on biodiversity and global environmental goals
A major priority during the discussions was accelerating implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the landmark global agreement adopted to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.
The EU and China also discussed progress on the Cali Fund, which supports the fair sharing of benefits derived from digital genetic information, while exchanging views on emerging nature credit markets designed to attract greater private investment into biodiversity conservation projects.
Officials agreed that stronger biodiversity financing and international cooperation will be necessary to meet global conservation targets and protect ecosystems that support economic development and human wellbeing.
The dialogue also reinforced support for multilateral environmental governance, particularly ahead of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) COP17, which will be hosted in Armenia.
Global Plastics Treaty negotiations remain a priority
Plastic pollution was another major topic of discussion as both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing negotiations on a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty.
EU and Chinese officials agreed that plastic pollution continues to rise globally and requires coordinated international action covering the entire lifecycle of plastics—from production and consumption to recycling and waste management.
Both parties committed to maintaining political and technical cooperation throughout the negotiation process, with the objective of helping deliver a robust international agreement capable of significantly reducing plastic pollution worldwide.
The discussions highlighted that no single country can solve the plastics crisis alone, making international cooperation increasingly important.
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Addressing PFAS and chemical pollution
The dialogue also focused on chemical pollution, particularly per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals” because of their persistence in the environment and their resistance to natural degradation.
Commissioner Roswall and Minister Huang exchanged views on approaches to prevent and control chemical pollution while strengthening environmental safety standards.
The discussions covered broader efforts to improve environmental, chemical, and product safety regulations, ensuring that products entering international markets comply with increasingly stringent environmental requirements.
China has also been expanding its regulatory framework for PFAS management, including publishing draft indicative lists covering several long-chain PFAS substances as part of broader efforts to strengthen chemical regulation.
Diplomacy and multilateral cooperation
Commissioner Jessika Roswall emphasized that international diplomacy remains increasingly important in addressing environmental challenges amid a changing geopolitical landscape.
She noted that the EU and China must continue working together to finalize negotiations on a global treaty to end plastic pollution, implement shared biodiversity commitments, and strengthen environmental multilateralism.
Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation through continued political dialogue, technical exchanges, and joint participation in global environmental processes.
The European Commission also confirmed that another high-level meeting is scheduled for 2026 under the 7th High Level Environment and Climate Dialogue. The event will be co-chaired by European Commission Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera and China’s Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang.
Outlook
The latest EU-China Environment Policy Dialogue demonstrates that environmental cooperation remains an important area of engagement despite broader geopolitical challenges. With major negotiations approaching on biodiversity conservation and the Global Plastics Treaty, continued collaboration between two of the world’s largest economies could play a significant role in shaping future international environmental agreements.
As countries work toward stronger action on climate change, biodiversity protection, plastic pollution, and chemical safety, sustained cooperation between governments, international organizations, and industry will remain essential for achieving long-term global environmental goals.
FAQs
1. What was the main outcome of the EU-China Environment Policy Dialogue?
The EU and China reaffirmed their commitment to working together on biodiversity protection, plastic pollution, chemical safety, and broader global environmental cooperation.
2. What is the Global Plastics Treaty?
The Global Plastics Treaty is an international agreement currently under negotiation that aims to create legally binding measures to reduce plastic pollution across the entire plastics lifecycle.
3. What are PFAS or “forever chemicals”?
PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals that remain in the environment for long periods without breaking down easily, raising concerns about pollution and potential health impacts.
4. Why is EU-China environmental cooperation important?
Together, the EU and China have significant influence on global environmental policy. Their cooperation can help accelerate international agreements, improve biodiversity protection, reduce pollution, and strengthen global sustainability efforts.
Sources: Packaging Insights, Grande Consumo, European Commission, PubAffairs Bruxelles, The Brussels Times
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