The 2024 European Union elections resulted in a rightward shift in the European Parliament, causing concern among climate activists about the future of the European Green Deal. The European People’s Party’s campaign rhetoric has raised fears that recent environmental gains may be rolled back. Climate groups are organizing under the banner “a deal is a deal” to protect the Green Deal initiatives.
The European Green Deal, approved in 2020, aimed to address the impacts of climate change by making a legal commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The Fit for 55 package set a goal of reducing GHG emissions by 50% by 2030. Along with GHG emissions, the Green Deal included policies on biodiversity, sustainable farming, and industry, resulting in a wave of new laws in 2023 and 2024.
Several key directives were introduced as part of the Green Deal, including the Regulation on Deforestation Free Products, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, and the Nature Restoration Directive. Initially, these directives were well-received, but as companies felt the impact of the regulations, a green pushback began, especially with the passage of the CSDDD.
The anti-green rhetoric that emerged during the parliamentary elections in June 2024 played a significant role in the success of the conservative European People’s Party, which gained seats in the Parliament. Environmentally friendly parties, such as the Greens-European Free Alliance and Renew Europe, experienced losses. This victory by the EPP reflects a larger trend of green pushback, indicating a shift towards more conservative policies.
Climate activists are worried that the new parliament may begin to roll back environmental legislation and dilute the remaining Green Deal initiatives. Organizations involved in the implementation of EU directives have momentarily paused their work to assess the direction the new leadership will take. However, there is hope that coalitions can be formed among other political parties to support the Green Deal and ensure its survival.
Despite concerns about the future of the European Green Deal, climate activists are not giving up without a fight. Organizations like ClientEarth are ready to defend the environmental legislation through legal means. A new petition by The Club of Rome is circulating among activists and members of parliament, calling for action to protect the European Green Deal and ensure its implementation to secure Europe’s future. While challenges lie ahead, there is optimism that enough support exists within the parliament to safeguard the Green Deal and continue the fight against climate change.
