Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk recently warned that if the country were to go bankrupt, the world would no longer care about the natural environment. This statement was made in response to a proposed temporary suspension of the EU’s Green Deal by French far-right leader Jordan Bardella. The European People’s Party (EPP), led by MEP Peter Liese, has firmly rejected Bardella’s proposal, emphasizing the importance of climate targets in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Bardella had sent a letter to several right-wing groups in the European Parliament, urging them to form an alliance to scale back the Green Deal and protect the continent’s prosperity. Despite previous cooperation between the EPP and far-right forces on certain environmental policies, Liese has made it clear that the EPP will not support the suspension of the Green Deal.
Bardella’s rejection of the Green Deal aligns with the views of the Patriots for Europe group, which he heads, and Marine Le Pen’s National Rally. Bardella is aiming to capitalize on Tusk’s recent call for a critical review of the EU’s Green Deal, citing concerns about the impact of the legislation on economic prosperity. Tusk, who is affiliated with the EPP, stressed the importance of reviewing all legislation, including measures under the Green Deal, to ensure the protection of the environment. While the EPP has supported initiatives to boost competitiveness, Liese has made it clear that the party stands firm on maintaining the core elements of the Green Deal, particularly the climate targets.
Liese emphasized that the EPP is committed to upholding the climate targets set forth in the Green Deal and will not support Bardella’s proposal for a temporary suspension of the legislation. He stated that the EPP will continue to work with pro-European groups in the European Parliament to find reasonable compromises on environmental policies. Bardella, however, is calling for a debate on the temporary suspension of the Green Deal, along with a resolution to be voted on by MEPs. He believes that taking this action will send a clear message in support of pragmatic and realistic environmental ambition in the face of challenges.
The division between the EPP and far-right groups in the European Parliament highlights the ongoing debate over environmental policies and their impact on economic prosperity. While the EPP is committed to preserving the core elements of the Green Deal, Bardella and the Patriots for Europe group are seeking a temporary suspension of the legislation to reevaluate its objectives. Tusk’s warning about the consequences of bankruptcy on the environment serves as a stark reminder of the importance of finding a balance between environmental protection and economic growth. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how different political factions will navigate the challenges posed by climate change and sustainability.
