The mission statement for Commissioner-designate Wopke Hoekstra went online, on Tuesday 5 September, on the European Commission’s brand new dedicated page. In this document dated 1 September, the President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, entrusts him with the responsibility of overseeing climate action (see EUROPE 13238/2), under the direction of the Vice-President in charge of the European Green Deal, Maroš Šefčovič (see other news).
If confirmed, the Commissioner-designate will have to implement the European Climate Law (see EUROPE 12748/11) and “report” on progress made by the end of the year. He will also assess the national energy and climate plans in collaboration with the Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson.
In addition, he will lead international climate negotiations on behalf of the EU, notably at the 28th Conference of the Parties in Dubai in December, with a view to establishing “a global carbon pricing system” as well as “global renewables and energy efficiency targets”.
In view of the increase in extreme weather events, Mr Hoekstra will also be required to step up work to improve preparedness for climate-related risks in the EU. He will also draw up a 2040 climate target.
The Commissioner-designate will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of legislative instruments such as the Emissions Trading System and the Social Climate Fund and will facilitate the adoption of co-legislative dossiers on fluorinated greenhouse gases and ozone-depleting substances (see EUROPE 12926/3).
Wopke Hoekstra will also be working on industrial solutions to decarbonise Europe and support efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while promoting a climate culture in Europe through the ‘Green Deal’. Finally, he will work with cities and regions to encourage them to decarbonise and adapt to the climate.
To read the letter: https://aeur.eu/f/8fp (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)