EU Braces for Green Election Backlash
In the run-up to the upcoming EU elections scheduled between June 6 and 9, several European political parties have released draft versions of their manifestos, outlining their stances on crucial issues, especially in the realms of energy and environment. Euractiv provides an overview of the potential implications as the continent prepares for what seems to be a right-wing shift following the Green Wave of 2019.
Opinion polls indicate that the European People's Party (EPP) is likely to retain its top spot in the European Parliament, albeit with a slightly reduced margin. Surprisingly, their draft manifesto reveals a near absence of explicit environmental policies, with the term mentioned only four times in the 14-page document. The focus leans towards economic competitiveness, framing environmental concerns in the context of Europe's global economic rivalry.
While environmental policy takes a back seat, the EPP elevates climate change as a top priority, emphasizing its intersection with economic competitiveness and Europe's re-industrialization. The manifesto advocates for a technology-neutral approach to climate policy, supporting all renewable energies equally, including biomass. Notably, the EPP expresses support for nuclear power "where and when it makes sense.
In contrast, the Socialists and Democrats (S&D), expected to remain the second-largest group in the European Parliament, present a draft manifesto that rejects a regulatory pause on green policies. Their vision of a "Green Social Deal" places social policy and workers' rights at the forefront of a continued green transition. The S&D emphasizes an ambitious European budget, including an "Investment Plan for the Green and Digital Transitions" to support reindustrialization.
Opinion polls indicate a surge of extreme-right parties, with the Identify and Democracy (ID) group and the European Conservative and Reformists group (ECR) expected to gain significant traction. While both groups lack formal manifestos, their overarching objective is clear: returning control of EU policies to the national level, including those related to energy and the environment.
Renew Europe, projected to be the third-largest political group, is set to emphasize a return to liberal roots, focusing on the EU single market. The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) advocates for prioritizing the reduction of administrative burdens and red tape. On green policies, their early draft suggests prioritizing the implementation of adopted energy and climate rules rather than introducing new ones.
Projections indicate a setback for the Greens, with expectations of receiving 6.8% of the votes and winning 50 seats, down from 74. Despite the electoral challenge, the Greens are advanced in elaborating their manifesto, titled "The Courage to Change," which prominently features environmental topics, social rights, and a commitment to a caring society.
The Left political party, though yet to adopt their manifesto formally, aligns closely with the Greens on environmental issues, albeit with a more radical stance. Projections suggest a decrease in their parliamentary weight.
As the EU elections approach, these manifestos offer a glimpse into the diverse policy directions that could shape the future of energy and environmental initiatives in Europe. The debates and discussions leading up to the elections will likely delve deeper into these proposed strategies, providing voters with a clearer understanding of each party's vision for the continent's sustainable future.
