Von der Leyen under fire: Is the Green Deal in danger?

Von der Leyen under fire: Is the Green Deal in danger?

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, highlighted the need for unity, freedom, democracy and the rule of law in her recent State of the Union address. However, she also acknowledged that the Green Deal does not have the full support one would like. Critics accuse her of increasing deregulation, which serves short-term industrial interests, running counter to the long-term goal of climate neutrality. While von der Leyen spoke of the “power of the Green Deal” and the EU reiterated that it wanted to become climate neutral by 2050, the specific measures and their implementation seem to be presented in a different light. Ökonews reports that a flood of omnibus packages to relax regulations is on the way, touted as saving eight billion euros.

This deregulation could have significant consequences. A report shows that failing to implement existing EU environmental laws costs €180 billion annually. The European Environment Office raises worrying doubts about the planned funding for environmental measures in the new Multiannual Financial Framework, which could further jeopardize the implementation of the Green Deal. Patrick ten Brink, secretary general of the EEB, criticized von der Leyen's address as a "state of deception" in the face of the climate crisis.

Overview of the Green Deal

The European Green Deal has established itself as an ambitious project that aims to make the EU climate neutral by 2050. The Commission plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. This includes 47 individual measures in various sectors, such as transport, industry and trade. Important elements are EU emissions trading, a new climate tariff and the climate social fund to bring the economy and the environment into harmony. The Federal Agency for Civic Education is addressing this issue the challenges and opportunities of this project.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war have significantly changed the economic environment. Germany plans to expand liquefied gas imports and temporarily use coal-fired power plants, which calls sustainability goals into question. There are also significant concerns that the Green Deal could jeopardize the EU's competitiveness, as the EU only emits 7.3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Eastern European countries in particular, which rely heavily on coal, express reservations about the targets.

International cooperation and social aspects

International cooperation, for example within the framework of a “climate club”, should help the EU not only reduce its own emissions, but also provide impetus at a global level. Social aspects are of central importance, as decarbonization can affect different population groups differently. Proposals for social cushioning through the redistribution of CO2 price revenue to low-income households are therefore essential. As the Federal Agency for Civic Education shows, there has been a shifted focus on climate issues in recent years, particularly following the political rise of the Green Party and the Fridays for Future movement.

The challenges ahead, combined with the prioritization of immediate economic interests over long-term environmental goals, raise questions about the future of EU climate policy. The pressure on von der Leyen to find solutions that both strengthen the industry and take climate protection into account is growing. The positive steps being taken towards social justice and sustainability could be jeopardized by the threat of deregulation and neglect of environmental matters.