The Presidency of the European Union, represented by the Ambassadors of Sweden, Spain and the European Commission, carried out the demarche to the Indonesian Foreign Ministry on Friday morning. It was emphasized that, at the coming negotiations in Bangkok next week from September 28-October 9, the deadlock must be broken, if the Copenhagen meeting shall have a chance to success and that all parties must contribute to a positive outcome. The European Union sees Indonesia as a crucial partner in building an alliance for an ambitious agreement in Copenhagen. 

The key messages conveyed by the EU and that would be forwarded the same day to President Yudhoyono were:

1. The world's climate is changing much faster than previously expected. Studies indicate that emissions and temperature increases are accelerating and that the 2 ºC target limit may be surpassed. This makes climate change one of the most serious threats against societies, stability and development goals globally.

2. The major meeting planned for Copenhagen later this year is the decisive moment to reach an ambitious agreement. However negotiations up to now show too little progress. This deadlock between the major parties must be broken if the Copenhagen meeting shall have a chance to success. All parties must show a willingness to contribute to a positive outcome. A political momentum in the process must be apparent.

3. The least developed countries, and archipelago island states such as Indonesia, are most severely affected by climate change. Our solidarity with them compels the EU to take necessary action without delay. The EU is prepared to reduce emissions by 30% in the context of an ambitious international agreement that will enable climate change to stay below 2 degrees provided that other developed countries make comparable reduction commitments and advanced developing countries contribute adequately according to their responsibilities and respective capabilities.

4. The European Union sees Indonesia as a crucial partner in building an alliance for an ambitious agreement in Copenhagen. Indonesia's recent establishment for a Trust Fund for Climate Change is a step forward. The EU will continue its dialogue with Indonesia with the aim that both present ambitious bilateral proposals at Copenhagen and that both work together to persuade other countries around the world to be similarly ambitious.

5. Enhanced financial support, technology development and deployment and capacity building for adaptation are essential to help developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to curb the adverse effects of climate change. The EU is willing to contribute to the efforts put forward in the global fight against climate change.

6. The economic crisis adds pressure to our economies but it cannot be a reason to delay or reduce our ambitions. Measures promoting economic recovery must be compatible with climate change policies and should also be seen as an opportunity to promote green growth.