Zia Weise
@ziaweise.bsky.social
Senior EU climate reporter at POLITICO.
Recovering news editor, former Istanbul correspondent. Brussels-based. She/her. DM for Signal. ✉️ zweise@politico.eu
Recovering news editor, former Istanbul correspondent. Brussels-based. She/her. DM for Signal. ✉️ zweise@politico.eu
Pinned
Zia Weise
@ziaweise.bsky.social
· Aug 26
From Kyiv to the Suwałki Gap, bogs return as Europe’s defensive shield
Restoring the EU’s drained bogs would stop both Russian tanks and planet-warming pollution.
www.politico.eu
A tank-trapping, carbon-capturing bog barrier to keep out Putin? Governments in Finland and Poland say they're looking into making this a reality.
My big summer read, w/ @nikamelkozerova.bsky.social and @wojciechkosc.bsky.social, on defensive bog restoration:
www.politico.eu/article/russ...
My big summer read, w/ @nikamelkozerova.bsky.social and @wojciechkosc.bsky.social, on defensive bog restoration:
www.politico.eu/article/russ...
I interviewed China's climate envoy Liu Zhenmin about the EU's climate targets, Washington's absence and trade troubles at COP30: www.politico.eu/article/chin...
China’s top envoy blasts EU climate goals and Trump’s ‘bad example’
Liu Zhenmin also defended Beijing’s own climate efforts as “very ambitious.”
www.politico.eu
November 18, 2025 at 12:39 PM
I interviewed China's climate envoy Liu Zhenmin about the EU's climate targets, Washington's absence and trade troubles at COP30: www.politico.eu/article/chin...
After three COPs in autocratic states with little tolerance for demonstrations, climate protests are back in full force in Belém: www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Protests return to climate summit with calls for Indigenous rights (and a dash of Trump mockery)
Saturday’s march through the streets of Belém, Brazil, was a contrast to the muzzling of dissent at past years’ U.N. summits.
www.politico.com
November 15, 2025 at 9:51 PM
After three COPs in autocratic states with little tolerance for demonstrations, climate protests are back in full force in Belém: www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
COP31 in Bonn? Nein danke, says Germany www.politico.eu/article/germ...
Germany seeks to avoid becoming next UN climate host by accident
Australia and Turkey both want to host the COP31, and if neither back down the talks will be held in Germany.
www.politico.eu
November 11, 2025 at 1:41 PM
COP31 in Bonn? Nein danke, says Germany www.politico.eu/article/germ...
For decades, the European Union has relied on the United States to act as shock absorber and chief powerbroker at global climate talks. No longer.
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
Trump’s COP30 snub thrusts Europe into a role it’s not ready for
Without the US, the EU will bear the brunt of demands leveled at rich countries during the talks.
www.politico.eu
November 10, 2025 at 2:18 PM
For decades, the European Union has relied on the United States to act as shock absorber and chief powerbroker at global climate talks. No longer.
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
Reposted by Zia Weise
For six years, the European Union’s efforts to fight climate change have been on an upward swing. That came to an end this morning in messy, exhausted scenes.
Europe’s climate bubble bursts on the eve of crucial summit
The EU heads to the COP30 climate summit with watered-down goals and dwindling green consensus.
www.politico.eu
November 5, 2025 at 7:44 PM
For six years, the European Union’s efforts to fight climate change have been on an upward swing. That came to an end this morning in messy, exhausted scenes.
Free to read, just before ministers return to formally vote: Details of draft deal on 2040 climate target.
www.politico.eu/article/draf...
www.politico.eu/article/draf...
Draft deal sets weaker 85 percent domestic climate target for EU
After 18 hours of negotiations, countries gave preliminary approval to a “take it or leave it” text on the 2040 target.
www.politico.eu
November 5, 2025 at 7:35 AM
Free to read, just before ministers return to formally vote: Details of draft deal on 2040 climate target.
www.politico.eu/article/draf...
www.politico.eu/article/draf...
Reposted by Zia Weise
Voting for a weaker climate target means weakening the EU's economy, the European Commission's second-in-command warned ministers ahead of a key summit.
Don’t weaken new climate goal, EU’s top green official warns on eve of crunch vote
Teresa Ribera told ministers reducing the EU’s 2040 target would be an “invitation to waste money.”
www.politico.eu
November 3, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Voting for a weaker climate target means weakening the EU's economy, the European Commission's second-in-command warned ministers ahead of a key summit.
Reposted by Zia Weise
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has pledged to adjust key green laws to secure support for a new climate target.
Von der Leyen tries to appease EU climate target skeptics
In a letter, the Commission president defends the 2040 goal but offers several concessions to governments.
www.politico.eu
October 20, 2025 at 3:01 PM
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has pledged to adjust key green laws to secure support for a new climate target.
What's in the EU's new "global vision" for energy & climate to be unveiled tomorrow? Lots on turbocharging made-in-Europe clean-tech exports, per a leaked draft we've seen.
More here: pro.politico.eu/news/206534 (€)
More here: pro.politico.eu/news/206534 (€)
POLITICO Pro
pro.politico.eu
October 15, 2025 at 7:24 AM
What's in the EU's new "global vision" for energy & climate to be unveiled tomorrow? Lots on turbocharging made-in-Europe clean-tech exports, per a leaked draft we've seen.
More here: pro.politico.eu/news/206534 (€)
More here: pro.politico.eu/news/206534 (€)
EU to push for formal negotiated decision on response to insufficient climate plans at COP30, draft negotiating position shows:
pro.politico.eu/news/206490 (€)
pro.politico.eu/news/206490 (€)
POLITICO Pro
pro.politico.eu
October 14, 2025 at 10:45 AM
EU to push for formal negotiated decision on response to insufficient climate plans at COP30, draft negotiating position shows:
pro.politico.eu/news/206490 (€)
pro.politico.eu/news/206490 (€)
Reposted by Zia Weise
“Many in China now characterize the EU as a middle power."
How Europe sabotaged it's place at the head of the climate pack.
With @ziaweise.bsky.social and @saraschonhardt.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
How Europe sabotaged it's place at the head of the climate pack.
With @ziaweise.bsky.social and @saraschonhardt.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
Europe’s climate clout melts away
China stands ready to fill the gap as EU infighting leaves a vacuum in global climate talks.
www.politico.eu
September 24, 2025 at 9:15 AM
“Many in China now characterize the EU as a middle power."
How Europe sabotaged it's place at the head of the climate pack.
With @ziaweise.bsky.social and @saraschonhardt.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
How Europe sabotaged it's place at the head of the climate pack.
With @ziaweise.bsky.social and @saraschonhardt.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
Generally interesting (and not in a positive way) how few interviews von der Leyen gives.
Some interesting infos, but the most important part is the setup - rather than doing a major personal interview, this is a collection of written replies.
In my view, part of the job of the Commission President should be to communicate with the European public(s) and speak directly to media.
In my view, part of the job of the Commission President should be to communicate with the European public(s) and speak directly to media.
Ursula von der Leyen has responded to written questions submitted by several European newspapers.
🧵 Her answers resemble last week's State of the EU speech but are worth breaking down.
🧵 Her answers resemble last week's State of the EU speech but are worth breaking down.
September 22, 2025 at 9:55 AM
Generally interesting (and not in a positive way) how few interviews von der Leyen gives.
you can't make this stuff up
September 22, 2025 at 8:24 AM
you can't make this stuff up
Reposted by Zia Weise
NEW: How Emmanuel Macron ended up manoeuvring France into the camp of the EU's climate blockers — putting at risk the EU's compliance with the Paris Agreement on the eve of the accord's 10th anniversary.
Our story: www.politico.eu/article/emma...
Our story: www.politico.eu/article/emma...
How Macron joined the climate bad guys club
The French president has joined Poland, Italy and Hungary to stall discussions ahead of the COP30 climate conference in November.
www.politico.eu
September 18, 2025 at 8:55 AM
NEW: How Emmanuel Macron ended up manoeuvring France into the camp of the EU's climate blockers — putting at risk the EU's compliance with the Paris Agreement on the eve of the accord's 10th anniversary.
Our story: www.politico.eu/article/emma...
Our story: www.politico.eu/article/emma...
NEW: How Emmanuel Macron ended up manoeuvring France into the camp of the EU's climate blockers — putting at risk the EU's compliance with the Paris Agreement on the eve of the accord's 10th anniversary.
Our story: www.politico.eu/article/emma...
Our story: www.politico.eu/article/emma...
How Macron joined the climate bad guys club
The French president has joined Poland, Italy and Hungary to stall discussions ahead of the COP30 climate conference in November.
www.politico.eu
September 18, 2025 at 8:55 AM
NEW: How Emmanuel Macron ended up manoeuvring France into the camp of the EU's climate blockers — putting at risk the EU's compliance with the Paris Agreement on the eve of the accord's 10th anniversary.
Our story: www.politico.eu/article/emma...
Our story: www.politico.eu/article/emma...
Reposted by Zia Weise
Sorry, guys. We’ll get back to you.
That’s the message the European Union is expected to deliver at a pivotal climate summit of world leaders next week after the bloc’s countries were unable to agree on a plan to reduce planet-warming emissions by 2035.
That’s the message the European Union is expected to deliver at a pivotal climate summit of world leaders next week after the bloc’s countries were unable to agree on a plan to reduce planet-warming emissions by 2035.
EU set to miss UN deadline for new target under Paris climate accord
The delay is intended to allow countries more time to agree to an ambitious goal.
www.politico.eu
September 16, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Sorry, guys. We’ll get back to you.
That’s the message the European Union is expected to deliver at a pivotal climate summit of world leaders next week after the bloc’s countries were unable to agree on a plan to reduce planet-warming emissions by 2035.
That’s the message the European Union is expected to deliver at a pivotal climate summit of world leaders next week after the bloc’s countries were unable to agree on a plan to reduce planet-warming emissions by 2035.
NEW: Vote on 2040 climate target canceled after big EU governments — including France + Germany — blocked the decision to ensure leaders get a say.
On Tuesday, countries will decide the fate of the 2035 Paris Agreement plan/NDC.
Full story w/ @l-guillot.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/vote...
On Tuesday, countries will decide the fate of the 2035 Paris Agreement plan/NDC.
Full story w/ @l-guillot.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/vote...
Vote on 2040 climate target canceled after big EU countries block decision
Decision casts doubt over whether EU can present climate plan in time for U.N. gathering this month.
www.politico.eu
September 12, 2025 at 4:35 PM
NEW: Vote on 2040 climate target canceled after big EU governments — including France + Germany — blocked the decision to ensure leaders get a say.
On Tuesday, countries will decide the fate of the 2035 Paris Agreement plan/NDC.
Full story w/ @l-guillot.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/vote...
On Tuesday, countries will decide the fate of the 2035 Paris Agreement plan/NDC.
Full story w/ @l-guillot.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/vote...
🚨🚨 Denmark has cancelled the vote on the EU's 2040 climate target after major countries, including Germany and France, blocked progress. 🚨🚨🚨
pro.politico.eu/news/204627 (€)
pro.politico.eu/news/204627 (€)
POLITICO Pro
pro.politico.eu
September 12, 2025 at 1:55 PM
🚨🚨 Denmark has cancelled the vote on the EU's 2040 climate target after major countries, including Germany and France, blocked progress. 🚨🚨🚨
pro.politico.eu/news/204627 (€)
pro.politico.eu/news/204627 (€)
As EU countries discuss whether to delay next week's 2040 climate target vote, the German environment ministry confirmed to me that Berlin's position is to have national leaders discuss it first — postponing the vote on Sept. 18.
pro.politico.eu/news/204624
pro.politico.eu/news/204624
POLITICO Pro
pro.politico.eu
September 12, 2025 at 1:07 PM
As EU countries discuss whether to delay next week's 2040 climate target vote, the German environment ministry confirmed to me that Berlin's position is to have national leaders discuss it first — postponing the vote on Sept. 18.
pro.politico.eu/news/204624
pro.politico.eu/news/204624
Reposted by Zia Weise
This is unexpected - 63% of polled Germans support EU sanctions on Israel over Gaza, with majorities of supporters of all parties in favour (incl CDU/CSU and SPD). Only exception are AfD voters, who are split.
Sogar 94 Prozent der Grünen-Wähler: Fast zwei Drittel der Deutschen unterstützen EU-Sanktionen gegen Israel
Die Bundesregierung lehnt die von der EU vorgeschlagenen Sanktionen gegen Israel ab. Eine klare Mehrheit der Bundesbürger positioniert sich anders.
share.google
September 11, 2025 at 7:03 AM
This is unexpected - 63% of polled Germans support EU sanctions on Israel over Gaza, with majorities of supporters of all parties in favour (incl CDU/CSU and SPD). Only exception are AfD voters, who are split.
In a nutshell: The Danish presidency is opening the door to a more widespread use of carbon credits than proposed by the Commission. Ministers to discuss amount + timeline.
More deets behind paywall.
More deets behind paywall.
NEW: Latest 2040 target draft deal this way: pro.politico.eu/news/204359 (€)
September 9, 2025 at 3:43 PM
In a nutshell: The Danish presidency is opening the door to a more widespread use of carbon credits than proposed by the Commission. Ministers to discuss amount + timeline.
More deets behind paywall.
More deets behind paywall.
NEW: Latest 2040 target draft deal this way: pro.politico.eu/news/204359 (€)
September 9, 2025 at 3:31 PM
NEW: Latest 2040 target draft deal this way: pro.politico.eu/news/204359 (€)
New late-stage capitalism experience unlocked: My local shop doesn’t let you use the self check tills out anymore unless you have their points card. Even if literally no one else is using them.
September 6, 2025 at 4:44 PM
New late-stage capitalism experience unlocked: My local shop doesn’t let you use the self check tills out anymore unless you have their points card. Even if literally no one else is using them.
Colleagues at Der Standard dug deeper into the Austrian position and confirmed that the Austrian chancellor wants to move the 2040 climate target to EUCO: www.derstandard.at/story/300000...
September 5, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Colleagues at Der Standard dug deeper into the Austrian position and confirmed that the Austrian chancellor wants to move the 2040 climate target to EUCO: www.derstandard.at/story/300000...
"The genocide in Gaza exposes Europe’s failure to act and speak with one voice," says the EU Commission's VP @teresaribera.ec.europa.eu — the strongest condemnation of Israel's actions to come out of Brussels to date
www.politico.eu/article/eu-c...
www.politico.eu/article/eu-c...
EU Commission’s Ribera says Israel’s war on Gaza is genocide
Top Brussels official adds that the situation “exposes Europe’s failure to act and speak with one voice.”
www.politico.eu
September 4, 2025 at 2:26 PM
"The genocide in Gaza exposes Europe’s failure to act and speak with one voice," says the EU Commission's VP @teresaribera.ec.europa.eu — the strongest condemnation of Israel's actions to come out of Brussels to date
www.politico.eu/article/eu-c...
www.politico.eu/article/eu-c...