In a set of ‘post-COVID-19 recommendations’ published on Tuesday 7 April, the WWF urges the European Union and Member States to ensure that future economic recovery plans are fully aligned with the objectives of the European Green Deal and contribute to accelerating Europe's transition to a just and sustainable economy.
In issuing its recommendations, the WWF has joined a range of organisations calling for action in recent days (see EUROPE 12459/8, 12462/21). Its suggestions include ensuring that at least half of the money in recovery plans is directed into environmentally sustainable activities, not supporting environmentally harmful activities, delivering social benefits, strengthening existing environmental standards, and improving the overall environmental health of our societies.
The organisation also calls for the new financial tools announced by the European bodies, or those currently under discussion, such as the 'SURE' tool (see EUROPE 12460/1), the use of the European Stability Mechanism, or the creation of ‘coronabonds’, to be structured and employed in line with the Green Deal.
Publication of these recommendations comes on the same day as a videoconference involving EU Finance Ministers presenting the European Council with a comprehensive overview of fiscal and socio-economic measures to complement the array of measures already in place to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic (see other news).
To consult the WWF recommendations, go to: https://bit.ly/2xaJ6tc (Original version in French by Damien Genicot)