The EU Council has adopted its position for the upcoming UN conference on combating desertification, outlining a set of proposals to strengthen the implementation of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). The main objective is to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) by 2030, a target that would require halting and reversing land degradation globally. The position, published on 1 December 2026, will guide EU negotiators at the conference.
The position calls for the development of a new Future Strategic Framework for the UNCCD, setting out long-term goals beyond 2030. It promotes integrated approaches with other environmental agreements, notably the Rio Conventions on climate change and biodiversity, to ensure coherence and maximise synergies. On finance, the EU urges mobilising resources from both public and private sectors, including through innovative financing mechanisms. Cross-cutting priorities include gender equality, secure land tenure rights, and capacity building for developing countries.
Policy orientations and trade-offs The EU's position reflects a balance between environmental ambition and economic pragmatism. While pushing for strong LDN targets, it also emphasises the need for cost-effective measures and private sector involvement, which could create tensions with civil society groups advocating for stricter public funding commitments. The integrated approach with other Rio Conventions may streamline implementation but risks diluting focus on desertification-specific issues.
Impact on stakeholders - EU member states: Will need to align national land-use policies with LDN targets, potentially affecting agricultural and infrastructure planning. - EU producers (agriculture, forestry): May face new sustainability requirements but could benefit from improved land productivity and access to green finance. - Developing countries: Stand to gain from capacity building and technology transfer, but may be concerned about conditionalities attached to private finance. - Environmental NGOs: Likely to welcome the LDN target but may push for stronger accountability mechanisms and public funding commitments.
Institutional follow-up The EU's position will be presented at the UNCCD conference, where negotiations with other parties will take place. The European Commission will lead the EU delegation, and the Council will monitor progress. Any new commitments or agreements will require subsequent approval by the Council and the European Parliament.
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