Bangladesh has urged the European Union (EU) to increase its financial and technical support for renewable energy development and climate adaptation as the country accelerates its transition to clean energy and climate-resilient development.
State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam made the call during a bilateral meeting with Diana Acconcia, Director for International Affairs and Climate Finance at the European Union, on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkiye.
Discussions focused on climate finance, energy transition, renewable energy development and expanded cooperation in climate adaptation, said a press release received here today.
During the meeting, the state minister outlined Bangladesh’s climate priorities and development plans, highlighting the government’s target of generating 10,000 megawatts of electricity from solar power over the next five years.
He said the government was prioritising renewable energy expansion and a transition to cleaner energy sources to promote environmentally sustainable development.
Faridul also outlined plans to plant 250 million trees over the next five years, with 35-40 per cent comprising mangrove species, as part of the country’s broader efforts to protect the environment and strengthen climate resilience.
Other priorities highlighted at the meeting included modernising waste management, introducing environmentally friendly electric buses and reducing air pollution caused by brick kilns.
Highlighting the potential for renewable energy in coastal areas, the state minister proposed the development of cyclone-resilient wind power projects.
He noted that rising salinity and increasing shortages of safe drinking water were becoming serious challenges for Bangladesh’s coastal communities.
Faridul stressed the need for effective adaptation projects and greater investment in renewable energy, seeking EU support through climate finance, advanced technologies and technical expertise.
In response, the EU representative Diana Acconcia reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to implementing the Paris Agreement and the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance.
She said the annual $100 billion climate finance target had been achieved, while efforts were underway to deliver the new $300 billion target.
Diana Acconcia also referred to the proposed EU external budget for 2028-2034, highlighting the commitment to maintaining a 50 per cent target for climate- and biodiversity-related activities.
The EU official further informed the meeting that Bangladesh was among three countries selected for an advisory facility jointly financed with the European Investment Bank (EIB).
The initiative aims to help develop and prepare investment-ready projects in climate adaptation.
She added that the EU was already supporting Bangladesh’s renewable energy development and the electrification of its railway network.
Regarding Bangladesh’s proposal for coastal and offshore wind power projects, she said she would brief relevant colleagues in Brussels.
She also expressed interest in exploring opportunities for European companies to participate in such projects, including potential investment and financing under the EU guarantee framework.
Both sides underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation in climate finance, renewable energy, clean transportation, pollution control and climate adaptation.
They also agreed to maintain regular communication through the EU delegation in Dhaka to follow up on the discussions and identify opportunities for further collaboration.
