WYCJ Meets with the cabinet of EU commissioner Hoekstra to discuss EU written submission

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On Friday 26th of January, together with our partners from the Interactive Media Foundation (IMF), 89UP and EKO, WYCJ met with a representative from Commissioner Hoekstra's cabinet, the leader of the European Commission's DG CLIMA. During the meeting, we handed over a petition signed by over 75,000 Europeans, urging the EU to formally submit to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Advisory Opinion on the link between climate change and human rights.

During the discussion, we introduced the campaign, and emphasized the importance of incorporating intergenerational equity into the EU's formal submission. WYCJ European Front’s commitment extends to representing all European young people, including those in overseas territories. We also took the opportunity to inquire about the content of the EU’s forthcoming contribution, seeking a more progressive interpretation of the Advisory Opinion that can promote and protect European values and inspire EU Member States.

The European Front of WYCJ that was present at this meeting also urgently asked the DG CLIMA team to request all EU states to submit their written submissions to the ICJ. It is important for the AO proceedings that as many states as possible participate. The AO becomes more influential and will have a broader scope if more states decide to contribute to the proceedings. The DG Clima team has also been responsible for the EU’s submission to the ITLOS Advisory Opinion proceedings last September. The ITLOS AO is expected to be delivered before the end of Q2 2024. The meeting was very fruitful and provided us with the necessary insights that will help us improve our advocacy strategy. A followup meeting has been proposed, both the DG CLIMA and WYCJ hope to keep the dialogue open.