Leadership and Partnerships for the European Green Deal: EU Relations with (Re)Emerging Economies

The European Green Deal (EGD) has been described as a transformation strategy for the European continent, but its success also depends on cooperation at global level. Therefore, the EU intends to engage other actors and show international leadership on the climate agenda and the energy transition. This paper analyses the external dimension of the EGD, with a focus on global partnerships and EU leadership. Specifically, it examines EU relations with (re)emerging economies, in particular China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, and South Africa. Based on information acquired through cooperation with local research institutions, the paper examines prospects for partnership between the EU and these countries in the implementation of the EGD goals. We argue that great potential exists for green cooperation between the EU and re(emerging) economies. However, diplomatic conflict may occur if the EU attempts to shift the costs of the energy transition on partner countries.