BRICS countries have opposed the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, calling for greater climate finance support for developing nations.

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• BRICS environment ministers adopted a joint statement in New Delhi on August 18, 2026, opposing the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.
• The group described CBAM as a unilateral trade measure linked to carbon pricing that could create additional challenges for developing economies.
• The European Union mechanism covers carbon-intensive imports including steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers and electricity entering the European market.
• CBAM entered its definitive phase on January 1, 2026, requiring importers to purchase and surrender emission certificates for covered products.
• BRICS called for increased climate finance for developing countries and urged wealthy nations to triple adaptation finance by 2035.
• The 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting was held under India’s 2026 BRICS chairship and led by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav.
• Representatives from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, UAE, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Ethiopia participated in the meeting.
• BRICS also called for grants and concessional finance to support climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, resilient infrastructure and water security projects.