Resistance to EU’s Green Deal

The EU faces a growing backlash against its policies to address climate change and protect the environment. The Commission has proposed more than 30 laws, to deliver green goals, since 2019


Dec 2019: New European Commission’s Green Deal sets goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050

Jul 2021: EU agrees to channel 37% of its economic recovery funds – some €298.6 billion –
to Green Deal
                                                
May 2023: French President Emmanuel Macron (left) and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (right), both publicly call for pause – “European regulatory break” – in EU’s green agenda
   

GERMANY: Halts plans for more stringent building insulation standards, claiming measures are too costly for construction sector. Car industry wins U-turn on EU rules banning
sale of new combustion engine vehicles from 2035 to include loophole for synthetic fuels

ITALY: Right-wing government demands that EU water down directive to improve energy efficiency of buildings, rewrite plans to phase out combustion engine cars and opposes drive to slash industrial emissions

NETHERLANDS: Pro-farmer party BoerBurgerBeweging opposes plans to halve nitrogen emissions

POLAND: Files lawsuit against EU’s climate policies. Poland defers plan to cut its reliance on coal, wants exemption from buying carbon allowances. Opposes ban on combustion vehicles and increase in bloc’s emissions reduction target

UK: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says he will delay ban on sales of new petrol cars and targets for domestic heating until 2035
              

Sources: European Commission, Politico, Reuters 
Pictures: Getty Images 
© GRAPHIC NEWS