Analysis: Green Backlash Looms Over EU Elections, By Reuters

By Kate Abnett

BRUSSELS – The political landscape in the European Union has shifted dramatically over the past five years. During the last EU elections in 2019, mass protests erupted across the 27-member bloc as citizens rallied against climate change. In stark contrast, as this year’s elections approach, farmers are taking to the streets, demanding a reduction in environmental regulations, leaving politicians with no choice but to address their concerns.

This changing political sentiment regarding environmental protection is becoming increasingly evident in light of an ongoing climate crisis that continues to unleash severe and costly weather events.

"There is a clear backlash specifically related to agriculture and the Green Deal," commented French EU lawmaker Pascal Canfin. However, he noted, "There’s no backlash for the rest of the policies."

In response to farmers frustrated with low food prices and stringent EU environmental standards, recent moves by the EU include relaxing regulations on fallow land. Additionally, France has temporarily halted a national initiative aimed at reducing pesticide use.

Despite these concessions, the overarching vision of the EU’s Green Deal, designed to combat climate change, remains intact. This framework has been bolstered by more than two dozen laws enacted over the past five years, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

While the existing policies are unlikely to be dismantled, recent attempts to expand environmental legislation have encountered setbacks. In recent months, various new laws targeting industrial pollution, pesticide reduction, and the restoration of damaged ecosystems have faced rejection or dilution from EU countries and lawmakers.

Peter Liese, an EU lawmaker from the centre-right European People’s Party, stated, "We shouldn’t mix environmental concerns with climate issues. If we aim for carbon neutrality while maintaining industrial growth, we can’t address everything simultaneously."

NEXT STEPS

A proposal slated for release will gauge the current political climate. The European Commission is expected to advocate for a bold objective of cutting net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040. This target aims to promote green jobs and low-carbon industries, according to drafts of the proposal.

However, this ambitious goal requires approval from the new EU parliament after the elections, amidst concerns that support for comprehensive climate policies may diminish.

Recent polls indicate that far-right and right-leaning parties, which often oppose climate initiatives, may gain traction in the elections. EU officials have noted a drop in support for ambitious environmental laws among member states, influenced by recent elections in Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.

"Public acceptance for green policies has waned. They complicate daily life and drive up costs," expressed Rob Roos, an EU lawmaker from the eurosceptic European Conservatives and Reformists Group. He further pushed for the abolition of the Green Deal, arguing that it does not reflect public sentiment, as polls suggest his group may secure a significant increase in seats.

COST CONCERNS

While a significant majority of Europeans favor robust action against climate change, many express concerns about the financial implications.

"This misunderstanding persists: people believe that lowering our ambitions will enhance our competitiveness, but this is simply untrue," warned Bulgaria’s climate minister Julian Popov. He and other proponents of green policies cautioned that failing to pursue climate action could lead to greater economic burdens, exacerbated by worsening climate impacts such as floods and wildfires. They argue that green policies are essential for establishing a technological edge, aiding EU industries in competing with nations like China.

With agreements on CO2 emissions already established until 2030, the incoming EU parliament and Commission will focus on strategies for reducing CO2 emissions beyond that date, particularly in sensitive sectors like industry and agriculture that are grappling with high energy costs and global competition.

"The risk to Europe’s competitiveness won’t be alleviated by weakening our climate commitment," stated Irish climate minister Eamon Ryan, emphasizing that the relationship between industry competitiveness and effective climate policies is crucial for the upcoming elections. "This is a pressing issue, and every vote holds significance," he concluded.