European Capacity Building Initiative
News
On 15 June, the UNFCCC Secretariat at the UN Campus in Bonn convened an informal discussion on the future of COPs and climate multilateralism, with practical reforms to strengthen the implementation role of the UN climate regime at the centre of the discussions.
The meeting brought together a small group of experts and thought leaders to reflect on how the UNFCCC process can remain effective as it transitions from negotiating agreements to supporting their implementation.
ecbi Director Benito Müller presented new...
18 June 2026
ecbi's annual Bonn Seminar convened on 14 June on the sidelines of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Body (SB) meetings. Approximately 35 participants from developing and European countries convened to hear presentations on and to discuss the Mitigation Work Programme (MWP), Just Transition Work Program (JTWP), and Reforming the UNFCCC Sessions. In addition to these topics, presentations were made on reimagining the COPs and Climate Weeks, Climate Solidarity Levies and Alliance, and future arrangement for intergovernmental meetings beyond the UNFCCC Sessions.
15 June 2026
ecbi has published a paper elaborating a “toolbox” of proposals to reform the UNFCCC process to make it more fit for purpose. While multilateralism remains vital to address the challenge of climate change, the UNFCCC Sessions are increasingly ill-suited to the new role urgently required of the global climate governance system: to accelerate implementation, foster cooperation, overcome practical barriers, and mobilise diverse national actors to deliver transformative climate action. The paper, Reforming the UNFCCC Sessions to Improve Negotiations and Support Implementation, authored by Stefan Ruchti-Crowley and Paul Watkinson...
12 June 2026
The 2026 ecbi New Delhi Seminar, held on 3 March at the India International Centre, examined how the global climate regime can remain effective as it shifts from negotiation to implementation under the UNFCCC.
Tackling the “Mega-COP” Problem
ecbi Director Benito Müller highlighted how the rapid expansion of COP meetings into large, multi-purpose “mega-COPs” has created three key problems: reduced inclusiveness (as vulnerable countries struggle to host or participate), weakened negotiation effectiveness (due to fragmented interactions), and growing...
10 April 2026
