Dutch climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra reiterates the commitment to a 90% emissions cut by 2040 and affirms that the deadlines for phasing out new petrol and diesel cars will not be revised. During a European Parliament hearing, Hoekstra also dismisses a far-right climate denier’s arguments. He is set to serve a full term in the EU executive, having been appointed last year after Frans Timmermans’ departure. Following a three-hour hearing, MEPs from various political groups backed Hoekstra’s climate goals, including the 90% reduction target.
Hoekstra reaffirms the proposal for a 90% net greenhouse gas emissions reduction target by 2040 compared to the 1990 baseline. He mentions a delay in tabling the legislative proposal to amend the EU climate law and reiterates the commitment to phasing out new petrol and diesel cars by 2035. Despite recent lobbying efforts by carmakers, Hoekstra questions the necessity of changes to the CO2 limits for vehicles and expresses support for upgrading the power grid and charging infrastructure to facilitate the transition to electric vehicles.
Taxation is another key aspect of Hoekstra’s expanded portfolio, which took up a significant portion of the hearing. He assures that a qualified majority voting on tax matters is not a priority and expresses openness to addressing the taxation of aviation fuel and air travel. Additionally, he will be leading the EU negotiating team at the upcoming COP29 climate summit in Baku, where he plans to emphasize the need for global cooperation in tackling climate change and holding major emitters like China, the US, and India accountable.
Amid geopolitical tensions and concerns over the impact of recent events on climate diplomacy, Hoekstra stresses the importance of taking assertive action at COP29. He acknowledges Europe’s role in addressing climate change despite accounting for a small percentage of global emissions. In response to climate skepticism raised during the hearing, Hoekstra emphasizes the need to listen to and collaborate with scientists to effectively address climate change. He notes the urgency of the issue, highlighting Europe’s rapid warming compared to the global average.
Climate campaigners generally welcome Hoekstra’s commitment to EU climate targets, although some express reservations about holding member states accountable. Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe, along with other NGOs, filed a formal complaint with the European Commission regarding member states’ national climate and energy plans that are not aligned with EU targets. Thirteen out of 27 member states have yet to submit their final draft despite a legal deadline passing in June. Overall, there is a sense of cautious optimism regarding Hoekstra’s stance on climate action and the need for continued efforts to address climate change at both the EU and global levels.
