Artur Runge-Metzger, head of international climate strategy at the European Commission, is known for his dynamic leadership as co-chair of the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform (PDF). He has a doctorate in agricultural economics and is not one to mince words during the negotiations, but, thanks to his work as co-chair, he is experienced in the delicate task of bringing countries together.

This makes him well-suited to lead the European Union – one of the blocs that could potentially swing the Paris COP, but one that has traditionally played the role of mediator. This has led some to see its position as a non-position, because its stance is not always clear. This was especially apparent during the final hours of Copenhagen, when most of the negotiations were held between the US and the BASIC countries group, especially China. The challenge in Paris will be for the EU to shift its role from mediator to leader.