Abstract

Despite negative expectations, the adoption of the Cancún Agreements represents a small but decisive step forward towards the building of future global action against climate change. Through the implementation of the key commitments of the Copenhagen Accord, the 16th Conference of the Parties paved the way for an agreement in COP 17 in Durban restoring the credibility in the UNFCCC's negotiation process. While Europe's leadership didn't suffer any additional loss, the next months will be crucial for its ability to bridge differences and contrasts between developed and developing countries.