The growing electoral success of nationalist parties across the [European] continent risks undermining pro-environment forces in the next European Parliament vote in June. That will reinforce a strengthening bond between conservatives and far-right politicians wary of the industrial and social cost of the clean transition, and may water down the EU’s ambitious Green Deal.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has kicked off a raft of initiatives designed to ensure the 27-nation bloc achieves net zero carbon emissions by 2050 by heavily reducing or offsetting all greenhouse gases.
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The European Parliament, which co-adopts EU laws together with the bloc’s member states, has traditionally been an enthusiastic proponent of green policies.
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Yet the recent electoral success of far-right parties in Italy, the Netherlands and elsewhere suggests priorities are shifting. If traditionally pro-environment socialist and green lawmakers lose ground in the vote, the European Parliament’s environmental focus may blur.
