Since 2020, the European Green Deal has been the foundation of these efforts and has brought considerable energy and environmental benefits. However, recently, political opposition and climate skepticism have been gaining ground, a trend reflected in the results of the recent European Parliament elections.
Despite the ongoing reality of climate change, economic concerns and security issues are now taking precedence. The evolving political landscape in the European Parliament could have implications for climate policy
The last elections in 2019 led to a strong climate-friendly agenda under the leadership of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Despite earlier green momentum, the EU climate policy now faces slow economic recovery, persistent inflation, and rising energy costs, worsened by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
This has caused protests and opposition including calls for a "pause" on environmental regulations by French President Emmanuel Macron. In Germany, the slow economic recovery is putting the brakes on overly drastic environmental measures.
The recent European Parliament elections resulted in a significant loss of seats for the Green parties. The largest group, the center-right European People's Party (EPP), increasingly advocates for a technology-neutral approach on many environmental and climate issues, often clashing with the Greens and Socialists.
Looking ahead to the climate course, the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) and the liberal Renew Europe group will continue to support the Green Deal, albeit with differing emphasis on social justice and pragmatic implementation. Conversely, conservative and far-right groups such as the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) and Identity and Democracy (ID) oppose the Green Deal.
The new (more right-leaning) seat distribution in parliament could lead to more conservative coalitions, but the Green and left-wing parties can still play a role in maintaining EU climate policy. Although the green agenda faces challenges, it is unlikely that Strasbourg will dismantle the Green Deal, especially if Von der Leyen remains President of the European Commission.
Abandoning the green transition would be a strategic mistake for European policymakers. Despite competing priorities, the climate crisis remains urgent, with warming in Europe occurring at twice the global average.