EU Council chief pledges to end dependence on fossil fuels

By Nur Asena Erturk

ANKARA (AA) – The president of the EU Council pledged on Friday to end dependence on fossil fuels.

"We know the diagnostic, but also the solutions (to climate issues). We must maintain our target of 1.5 degrees Celsius and get rid as quickly as possible of our dependence on fossil energies which put our future in danger," Charles Michel said at the COP28 UN Climate Change Conference held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

Michel gave assurances that the bloc is working to tackle the climate change and environment issues, and willing to "continue playing a major role."

Citing EU programs and campaigns including the Green Deal, he stressed that since 1990 the union has reduced its emissions 30%.

"We are determined to triple the renewables, double energy efficiency, and we stand with the developing countries," Michel said, after praising carbon-pricing mechanism.

He also expressed support for "reforming the Bretton Woods institutions to bring more justice, trust and inclusiveness," referring to the IMF and the World Bank.

The event is attracting over 180 heads of state and governments from across the globe, and over half a million people applied to attend.

The conference is set to continue through Dec. 12.