Disruptions to the European Union’s COP30 preparations arise from Greece’s firm stance on international maritime regulations. The country has expressed strong objections regarding the International Maritime Organization (IMO) measures intended to curb emissions from shipping.
Greece’s Objections to IMO Measures
During a recent series of closed-door discussions, diplomats revealed that Greece opposed the inclusion of a specific paragraph in a proposed text for the EU’s position. This paragraph acknowledged the IMO’s measures as the inaugural globally binding climate regulations for the shipping sector.
Unanimous Approval Required
The EU’s 27 member states must unanimously approve such texts, which complicated negotiations. A group of diplomats indicated that Greece resisted any mention of the IMO levy and turned down several compromises suggested by other nations.
Compromise Attempts Fail
Despite efforts to reach a settlement, Greece rejected a last-minute proposal to simply acknowledge the existence of the IMO negotiations. Ultimately, EU ministers had no choice but to completely remove any reference to the IMO measures from the draft.
Impact of Trump’s Stance
Significantly, U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened sanctions against nations that support imposing taxes on climate pollution in shipping. This external pressure has likely contributed to Greece’s firm position during the negotiations.
Recent Developments
- The IMO meeting has been postponed for another year.
- In September, EU governments approved a joint endorsement of the IMO measures.
- However, Greece and Cyprus diverged from this consensus and abstained from supporting the regulations last week.
- Cyprus did not raise objections to the recent COP30 text.
The ongoing discord highlights the complexities of international cooperation on climate action, particularly within the maritime industry. As the EU continues its negotiations, the path forward remains uncertain.
