EU Climate Policies Could Be Slowed After Rightward Election Shift
The recent European Parliament elections have brought significant changes to the political landscape, with a rightward shift that could impact the future of EU climate policies. While existing measures are likely to remain, the passage of new ambitious policies may become more complicated. Here are the key insights into what this means for Europe's climate goals.
1. Election Results and Their Implications
The European Parliament elections have seen gains for right-wing and far-right parties, raising concerns about the future of new climate policies. Despite these gains, centrist parties still hold a majority, ensuring that existing climate measures remain in place. Bas Eickhout, head of the European Parliament's Greens lawmaker group, notes that while rolling back existing policies is unlikely, initiating new ones will be more challenging.
2. Future Climate Ambitions at Risk
The European Commission's proposed 2040 climate target, which aims for a 90% reduction in emissions, might face delays. Political opposition, particularly from sectors like agriculture, could hinder the adoption of new rules, especially if they increase costs for citizens already facing a high cost of living. Julian Popov, a former Bulgarian environment minister, warns that new ambitions might be delayed for populist reasons.
3. Impact on Renewable Energy Sector
The election results have caused concerns in the renewable energy market. Shares in companies like Vestas, Nordex, and Orsted have dropped, reflecting fears that the transition to green energy might slow down. However, legally entrenched policies, such as renewable energy targets and a strengthened carbon pricing regime, are expected to continue driving Europe's green energy expansion.
4. Legality of Reversing Policies
Reversing the dozens of EU climate policies passed in the last five years would be legally difficult. These policies, which include renewable energy targets and carbon pricing, are already being implemented across the EU's 27 member states. Krzysztof Bolesta, Poland's secretary of state for climate, emphasizes that while new policies will be harder to pass, backsliding is very unlikely.
5. Shifts in Political Focus
The recent election campaign saw a shift in focus from climate change to issues like immigration, economic challenges, and industrial competitiveness. This shift could affect how future climate actions are framed. Linda Kalcher from Strategic Perspectives suggests that while the rhetoric may change, the actions on the ground might remain focused on supporting climate-friendly projects under the guise of industrial competitiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How will the rightward shift in the European Parliament affect climate policies?
A: The rightward shift may complicate the passage of new ambitious climate policies, but existing measures are expected to remain in place.
Q: Will existing EU climate laws be reversed?
A: No, existing climate laws, such as renewable energy targets and carbon pricing, are legally entrenched and unlikely to be rolled back.
Q: How might the election results impact the renewable energy sector?
A: Shares in renewable energy companies have dropped due to fears that the transition to green energy might slow down, although existing policies will continue to support green energy expansion.
Q: What are the main challenges to achieving the 2040 climate target?
A: Political opposition, particularly from sectors like agriculture, and the high cost of living for citizens may delay new climate ambitions.
Q: How has the political focus shifted in the recent election campaign?
A: The focus has shifted from green policies to issues like immigration, economic challenges, and industrial competitiveness, affecting how future climate actions are framed.
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