The European Union as a Leading Environmental Player? A Critical Analysis on the Policy and Commitments Towards Global Development and Climate Change

As soon as the environmental issues started to be recognised as a transnational cross- border and cross-cutting long-lasting challenge, the European Union (EU) has sought to become a relevant player in the regulation and fight against climate change. The 1986 Single European Act, the Europe 2020 Strategy, the Framework for Climate and Energy 2030 or the Kyoto Protocol (1997) and Paris Agreement (2015) clearly illustrates the policies and commitments that the EU is being pursuing towards a political climate model and a global environmental governance. But is the EU’s authority in environmental issues externally recognised in the diplomatic arena? Moreover, has the environmental acquis led to more cohesion among Member States and a harmonisation of the EU policies for more autonomy? Caporaso and Jupille’s four components to address an actor’s capacity in global politics—recognition, authority, autonomy and cohesion—pave the way to the theoretical analysis and to identify some remaining shortfalls to succeed in the “green” roadmap targeted to the next decade.