COOPERATION BETWEEN THE EU AND CHINA IN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EMISSION QUOTA MARKET

The article explores the cooperation between China and the EU in implementing joint programs aimed at linking their emissions quota trading systems as part of broader efforts to achieve shared environmental goals under the 2015 Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Both China and the EU acknowledge the importance of international collaboration in addressing climate change. Since 2014, the EU has provided technical assistance and capacity-building support to aid China in developing and implementing its emissions trading scheme, including both regional pilot projects and a national system. This support has been delivered through initiatives such as the “Platform for Policy Dialogue and Cooperation on Emissions Trading”. The platform has facilitated policy dialogue between China’s Ministry of Environment and the European Commission, leading to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in 2018 to further enhance cooperation on emissions trading. The 2018 EU-China Summit reaffirmed both parties’ commitment to the Paris Agreement and deepened bilateral cooperation in several areas, including the development of long-term emission reduction strategies. Emissions trading has emerged as a central focus of this partnership. The full integration of the EU and China’s emissions trading systems would bring benefits to all participants. Closer climate policy cooperation with China could reinforce the EU’s role as a global leader in combating climate change. For China, access to a more established and well-regulated carbon market could support improvements in its environmental standards.