COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Sunday, 23 November 2025

● European Council   23/11/2025 11:23 | Statements and remarks | Remarks by President António Costa at G20 Session III: "A fair and just future for all"   In this session, I would like to focus on Critical minerals. Critical minerals are essential to the economic and national security of both developed and developing nations. As the transition to clean-energy sources continues to accelerate, demand for key minerals will soar. This is an enormous opportunity but also a great risk! The production of these minerals is highly concentrated. As supply chains cross few jurisdictions, disruptions or export restrictions threaten the green transition and our industries’ competitiveness. Weaponizing these restrictions, as we have seen in recent weeks, runs counter any claims for open and fair trade, or for the defence of the multilateral system. If some countries do not wish to be seen as reliable partners, we take note and will continue to diversify and de-risk our supply chains. For African countries, critical minerals are a tremendous opportunity. By leveraging their significant reserves, African nations can boost their economies, develop domestic value chains, and play a central role in the supply of materials for clean energy technologies like electric vehicles and solar panels. Building strategic collaborations, that prioritise local value addition, African nations can explore their wealth - avoiding the return of resource curse risk. In this regard, the Strategic Partnership between the EU and South Africa on sustainable minerals and metals value chains, signed in the margins of this summit is a very good example. Following previous agreements with Namibia, DRC, Zambia and Rwanda, will strengthen the cooperation between our two continents in critical minerals, and help us find alternatives to navigate the increasing risks of geopolitical competition. This partnership between the EU and African countries is based on mutual interests. Developing local added value and creating, as you said Mr. President, fair, safe and durable jobs.   Visit the website

● European Council

22/11/2025 18:22 | Statements and remarks | Remarks by President António Costa at G20 Session II: "A resilient world"   Natural and man-made disasters are happening more and more often. They are increasing in intensity and having devastating consequences worldwide. The threat to our communities, our environment and our prosperity is very real. Take the case of wildfires. In 2025 alone, the equivalent of one third of land size of Argentina has burned down. The EU strongly supports the approach, priorities and efforts of the South-African Presidency of the G20 on Disaster Risk Reduction – the ex-post approach. But in this session, I choose to talk about root causes. Yes, Climate change is real. And together with biodiversity loss and pollution, it can still be stopped. Despite progress, global pledges to cut emissions are not sufficient to limit the rise in temperatures to 1.5 degrees warming. The EU is a global leader in this effort and we are staying the course – fully committed to the Paris Agreement. A couple of weeks ago, we committed to an ambitious intermediate goal of reducing emissions by 90% by 2040. The EU will remain a trusted partner in supporting the countries most exposed to climate change. Last year, the EU provided €31.7 billion from public sources. And we mobilised €11 billion of private finance to support developing countries to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. As union of values, we will continue to support this agenda. But we cannot do this alone: we invite all G20 members to join us in taking bold, collective action to secure a sustainable future for all.   Visit the website