other, and rally them around a common cause. We are team-builders by vocation, and in
the quest for a vaccine we have put our convening power at the service of all nations.
I want Europe to be a global leader—and true leaders are not those who leave everyone
else behind. Leadership is about building large and strong coalitions towards a common
goal. Take climate action. We have become a trailblazer in the transition towards a
cleaner and more circular economy, and the European Green Deal will accelerate this
transition. We have set the highest goals for ourselves: the European Union will cut its
carbon emissions by at least 55% compared with 1990 levels by 2030, and we will be
climate-neutral by 2050.
Yet the European Union accounts for less than 10% of global emissions. We cannot stop
global warming alone. The good news is we are not alone. There is a global movement
for climate action, one that can count on powerful nations but also on countless cities,
local authorities and individuals. Europe wants to contribute to the movement and
make it grow. We will form ambitious coalitions in the fight against climate change,
deforestation and chemical pollution. On emissions trading, we are ready to work with
all partners who also believe that carbon must have a price.
Our offer to the world is clear. Let us join forces for our common good. There is no time
to lose. In 2021 will humanity finally play as a team? I do not know—but I do know
where Europe will stand.
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