At the conference entitled ‘Empowering consumers on climate change’, organised by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on Wednesday 11 October, the European Commission Vice-President responsible for the European Green Deal, Maroš Šefčovič, stressed the importance of involving consumers in climate initiatives and promoting sustainable choices to achieve the EU’s green ambitions.
Combating greenwashing. In this sense, Mr Šefčovič demonstrated that consumers are at the heart of the green transition, with their choices having the power to shape a more sustainable economy. However, if they are to make informed choices, they need to be protected from greenwashing and have access to accurate information on the climate and environmental impact of products.
The need for a circular economy. One of the major challenges, he explained, is to make sustainable products affordable so that they become the default option. This means significant investment in renewable energies to reduce Europe’s dependence on imported fossil fuels, which not only have geopolitical repercussions but also contribute to inflation and volatility in energy prices.
The Vice-President of the Commission also stressed the need for a robust circular economy in Europe, given that the continent was not rich in critical raw materials. He believes that eco-design, recycling and the reduction of waste, particularly food waste, are essential in this context.
The climate emergency and the support needed for the most vulnerable. Turning to recent extreme weather conditions, Mr Šefčovič shared his concern at the simultaneous emergencies caused by fires in Greece and floods in Slovenia, as these events serve as a reminder of the imperative need to treat climate change with the seriousness it deserves.
The European Commissioner also pointed out that the harmful consequences of climate change often disproportionately affect the most vulnerable in society, exacerbating inequalities. For Maroš Šefčovič, the Green Deal must be presented as a solution for the future, not as a cost, but as a beneficial investment for all.
He mentioned the Social Climate Fund (see EUROPE 13165/34), which should be operational by 2026. Endowed with around €86 billion, this fund will support vulnerable households, micro-enterprises and transport users. This initiative is in line with the Commission’s will to ensure that no-one is left behind in the green transition.
The Green Deal: a necessity. The Vice-President of the Commission stated that the green transition was no longer an option, but a necessity, and that the success of the Green Deal would depend on its ability to be seen as essential to the well-being of future generations. He reiterated the importance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration with all stakeholders to strike a balance between combating climate change and ensuring that the measures taken are socially responsible. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)