Wopke Hoekstra travels to Paris to discuss reducing carbon emissions and argues Europe should resist Chinese competition by prioritizing European-made solutions.

The summer of 2026 is framed as a crucial test for energy prices and policy, underscoring high costs and drought that amplify the need for robust decarbonization efforts.

In Paris, Hoekstra will meet with Finance Minister Roland Lescure and Ecology Minister Monique Barbut to reinforce a message aligned with French choices.

Hoekstra endorses a policy mix that includes accelerated electrification, expanded renewables, continued nuclear, stronger grids, and interconnections among EU states to cut fossil fuel dependence.

Hoekstra plans to take this stance to COP31 in Antalya, Turkey, from November 9 to 20.

France and Germany are negotiating around energy policy, with France advocating a European preference to reduce reliance on external suppliers.