When Ursula von der Leyen recently unveiled her political programme to the European Parliament, she executed a balancing act worthy of Olympic gold. On one hand, she pledged to uphold the European Green Deal targets. On the other, she shifted focus towards industrial competitiveness and deregulation—a move that could unravel decades of climate and environmental progress. The new guidelines only mention the critical loss of biodiversity in passing, and health-threatening pollution isn't even on the radar.
With the impacts of the planetary crisis rapidly becoming an existential threat to both our citizens’ security and our economic system, this change in priorities begs the question: Is the EU still serious about its long-term resilience, or are its citizens being deceived? The European Parliament must urgently demand clarity and assert its role in accelerating the fight against climate change, nature loss and pollution.
From vagueness to accountability: The Commissioner hearings
As the upcoming Commissioner hearings approach, it is crucial that they face rigorous questioning on their environmental credentials. They must demonstrate a deep understanding of the priorities they are expected to champion, ensuring that vested interests, particularly from the agro- and fossil fuel lobbies, do not infiltrate the top floors of the Berlaymont. Gaps and weaknesses in the allocation of responsibilities must be carefully examined, and corrections by the Commission President-elect should be demanded, for the EU to meet its domestic and international goals.
The Green Deal Executive Vice-President: A job left unfinished
In 2019, the appointment of an Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal was a game-changer. Overseeing key areas like climate, energy, transport, environment, agriculture, and health, this role was instrumental in advancing the EU’s sustainability agenda.
History shows that without committed leadership, environmental initiatives quickly lose momentum. An Executive Vice-President - or similar - must continue to bear responsibility for climate, nature and zero pollution, directly overseeing relevant Directorates-General to keep their mission on track. This job requires a strong leader with a proven track record. Anything less risks downgrading the Green Deal's importance within the EU hierarchy — a surefire way to spark conflicts between economic interests and planetary limits, with human health and wellbeing caught in the crossfire.
Burden reduction: A Trojan horse for environmental rollbacks?
Von der Leyen’s focus on simplification and reducing administrative burdens may sound appealing — after all, who wouldn't want to cut through red tape? But when it comes to environmental regulations, there's a real danger that this push for "simplification" could serve as a cover to weaken existing protections. Earlier this year, the rush for simplification led to the environmental deregulation of much of the EU’s costly farm policy, bypassing any public debate or proper assessment.
The Green Deal introduced much-needed reforms. The new EU institutions must prioritise the smart implementation and enforcement of these laws as well as closing remaining gaps to ensure a fast and fair transition. Endless regulatory reviews and revisions would only trigger years of economic uncertainty and deepen societal divisions.
All Commissioners should commit to a non-regression principle, ensuring the EU does not weaken its current levels of environmental protection. When stress testing the entire EU acquis, the Commission must prioritise bolstering the administrative capacity and procedures of EU Member States — many of whom have historically struggled with the effective implementation of environmental policies.
A Clean Industrial Deal — or a dirty compromise?
Industry is undeniably vital to Europe's economy, providing jobs and generating income. But it also comes with significant environmental and health impacts. To ensure a sustainable future, we must invest in tomorrow’s lead industries and technologies rather than prop up yesterday’s, or worse, send European industry down blind alleys. The success of the new Clean Industrial Deal hinges on it being firmly aligned with the European Green Deal.
New policies must prioritise green industrial transformation — emphasising electrification, efficiency, and circularity — without sacrificing social security, biodiversity or environmental health. This means clear, ambitious targets for reducing emissions and pollution. The EU must move towards a toxic-free future, cutting absolute energy and resource demand, phase out fossil fuels, and avoid harmful or costly solutions like new nuclear reactors and bioenergy.
Funding for industry must be fully aligned with the EU’s green goals, with stringent social and environmental conditionalities. The EU should also promote demand for green products by creating lead markets, like green steel in the automotive sector, stimulating green public procurement, and supporting net-zero manufacturing through EU-level funds.
Turbocharging green investments: you can’t spend the same coin twice
The green transition demands substantial financial investments, as confirmed by the Commission’s own research. A ‘European Social and Green Prosperity Plan’ could unlock over €1 trillion in public investments by 2030, ensuring that all public and private spending aligns with the EU’s sustainability goals. This plan should include a successor to the NextGenerationEU that runs out in 2026, a Just Transition Directive to protect workers' rights during the green transition, new and dedicated funding for large-scale nature restoration and a mandate for EU governments to increase national green investments supported by lower interest rates for green projects.
At a time of unprecedented strain on public finances, responsible government expenditure is crucial. Following decades of empty promises, the Commission must introduce a legally binding phase-out of all fossil fuels and biodiversity harmful subsidies, applicable to both national and EU funds. The EU’s agricultural policy, which accounts for one-third of the total EU budget, should finally undergo a full fitness check review, with results available before launching any new proposals.
The test ahead
Von der Leyen’s political guidelines set the stage, but the real test lies ahead. Europe needs strong, ambitious leadership on climate, nature and zero pollution, along with strict enforcement, a genuine green industrial transformation, and a firm commitment to green investments to keep the Green Deal on track. Anything less risks turning a bold vision into an empty promise — a risk the planet and its people cannot afford.
This article is a collaboration between BirdLife Europe, Climate Action Network Europe, European Environmental Bureau, Transport & Environment and World Wide Fund for Nature.