The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, is adjusting her political strategy to save the European Green Deal, her flagship project launched in 2019.
Under pressure from the new right-wing majority in the European Parliament, she has begun to „amputate” some of the more controversial components of climate policy, without giving up on the goal of achieving neutrality by 2050, writes Politico.
"We remain firmly in support of the Green Deal. Climate change will not disappear," said Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho.
The strategy involves some deliberate concessions: relaxed rules for emissions, abandoning some pesticide regulations, and a possible easing of intermediate targets for 2040.
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EU gives up key regulations to maintain consensus
Although in 2020 von der Leyen promised a deep reconnection of the European economy with nature, the approach has now narrowed: the focus is on the survival of the legislative framework of the Deal.
Manfred Weber, the EPP leader, took advantage of the new majority to attack environmental legislation, and the Commission has yielded on several fronts.
A recent scandal erupted after the withdrawal of an anti-greenwashing bill - to combat ecological disinformation - interpreted as a concession to the far right.
Von der Leyen later stated that the law will continue, but with exceptions for small businesses.
Additionally, the Commission proposes that member states offset internal emissions through external contributions, especially in poorer countries.
Green Deal slowed down in Brussels
We are witnessing a rapid withdrawal of the EU from environmental policies, warn environmental organizations. Among the hottest topics raised are: postponement of the deforestation law, relaxation of standards for the auto industry, reduction of biodiversity protection, and blocking funds for environmental NGOs.
In the name of "simplification" and reducing bureaucracy, the Commission promises a decrease in administrative burdens by up to 35%, as reported by The Guardian.
But critics see these measures as dangerously aligning with a populist and anti-environmental agenda. Meanwhile, the degradation of biodiversity, habitats, and climate is worsening.
"All the demonization of climate policies generates uncertainty," says Vula Tsetsi, co-chair of the European Green Party. "It is von der Leyen's duty to defend what she herself previously promoted, namely the Green Deal. And she should not give up."