Climate change and environmental degradation are an existential threat to the world. As a climate leader, the EU contributes to fighting climate change through international cooperation under the European Green Deal, for a just transition towards sustainable, resource-efficient and climate neutral economies and energy systems. The Global Gateway — with as much as EUR 300 billion in investments until 2027 — supports this green transformation by promoting green technology exchanges and reinforcing energy security. Investing in both mitigation and climate resilience, as well as in clean energy, is both a necessity and major economic opportunity also in ASEAN.

EU environmental strategies and action plans — such as on single-use plastics and Farm to Fork — aim to contribute to the Green Deal’s objectives of no net emissions by 2050 (including the Fit for 55 target of 55% reduction by 2030), economic growth decoupled from resource use and no person and no place left behind. Launched in 2021, Green Team Europe further commits EUR 30 million towards a fairer, greener and more sustainable future in ASEAN. The EU also funds the work of partners in the region such as the International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) and Rethinking Plastics.