European Green Deal: An opportunity to secure a clean and prosperous future for a new generation

In response to the European Commission’s much-awaited “Green Deal” communication, Renew Europe has pledged to make the transition to climate neutrality and to a sustainable and circular use of finite global resources a key priority of the 2019 - 2024 Parliamentary mandate.

Renew Europe sees the launch of the Green Deal as the beginning of a transformational process and the opportunity for our generation to turn the corner on the global climate crisis, creating jobs, fully using the potential of the internal market and engaging citizens.

In addition to a commitment to delivering a GHG 55% reduction target by 2030 and the goal of climate neutrality by 2050, while increasing Europe’s competitiveness, Renew Europe will press for a comprehensive strategy to tackle plastic pollution and focus on the need to harness digital technology.

Renew Europe believes that digital technologies are uniquely positioned to provide effective tools for climate change mitigation and adaptation, waste management, disaster response and environmental monitoring.

Dacian Cioloș, President of the Renew Europe Group, said:

“The Green Deal communication is the beginning of a process to put Europe on the right tracks to fight against climate change and to change this challenge into an opportunity for our citizen and for our economy

The European Commission must not only set targets, but also draw a clear political pathway to implement those targets, and secure the financial capacity to support economic, social and environmental transitions with concrete and new financial resources.

The scale of the transition required will present challenges. The Green Deal has to be a solution oriented deal that supports traditional carbon intensive industries and regions that will need to reinvent themselves, at the same time as it provides incentives for frontrunners and breakthrough technologies. The Green Deal will be a project for all of us having the duty to integrate new reflexes and habits in our daily life.

The Green Deal must be a genuine economic transition, utilising digital innovation, which delivers reform, jobs and opportunities for the people of Europe while securing a sustainable future for our environment.”

Pascal Canfin MEP, Chair of the European Parliament’s Environment Committee said today:

I warmly welcome the Green Deal proposed by the European Commission as it represents a real game changer for Europe to become the first carbon neutral continent by 2050.

Climate, Environment, Finance, Agriculture, Health, Biodiversity... this unprecedented initiative is meeting citizens’ expectations. Today we can be proud of being Europeans

This communication represents a good starting point, but the most challenging part is ahead of us as we must now ensure an ambitious landing zone. I will do my best to ensure that the Green Deal becomes the backbone of all future legislations.

Katalin Cseh MEP, Co - chair of Renew Europe’s Green Deal working group commented;

“For Renew Europe, the Green Deal must mark the beginning of a process of ecological transition and the adoption of a totally new chapter in the history of our Union. We have discussed a number of priorities, including on plastic reduction, which are an important contribution to the debate and show how seriously Renew Europe takes this agenda, which must deliver real change. I want to see Europe become the first climate neutral continent - it is time to get to work.”

Nils Torvalds, Renew Europe's ENVI Coordinator, and our delegate to the COP25 commented:

“We are at the start of a long journey, but if we focus now, together we can build a better future and mitigate the climate crisis - embracing the digital revolution will be key. Renew Europe has set our ambitions high and we are determined to work with others to deliver results.”

Chris Davies, Chair of the European Parliament’s Fisheries Committee said today;

"The Green Deal must be tinged with blue. The EU needs to take the lead in protecting the oceans that are vital to the health of our planet. We must stop the flow of chemicals and plastics that pollute our waters, safeguard the precious diversity of life beneath the waves, and rebuild our fish stocks to give the fishing industry a secure future. We face environmental battles on many fronts but with effective leadership this is one that Europe can win."

ENDS