What could be the consequences of a “European regulatory pause” in environmental standards? This is the central question raised by Phuc-Vinh Nguyen, an expert in French and European energy policy, in his analysis of Emmanuel Macron’s proposal, published on Tuesday 9 January by the European think-tank Jacques Delors Institute.
In the article “Green Deal: towards a ‘European regulatory pause’?”, the French President’s statement on 11 May 2023 (see EUROPE 13181/9) and its implications are seen as a response to the rhetoric of certain factions of the European right and far right, and as such raise concerns about a potential slowdown in the fight against climate change and the transition to more sustainable energy.
Phuc-Vinh Nguyen points out that this pause could lead to significant delays in achieving the EU’s climate objectives, thus affecting global environmental efforts.
A major aspect of the analysis also concerns the financing of the energy transition. And with good reason, as the European elections approach, the question of how to finance this transition is becoming central to the public debate.
Mr Nguyen is calling for an electorally legitimised funding strategy, which is essential if we are to stimulate real momentum for change and give substance to the objectives of the ‘Green Deal’.
The expert also warns against the dangers of indeterminate doctrines on ecological policy within the EU. Finally, he stresses the importance of maintaining a clear and coherent ecological doctrine to prevent environmental policies from being used for political ends, especially in a sensitive electoral context, and recommends that France make a firm commitment to support the objectives of the ‘Fit for 55’ package, in order to assume a leadership role.
To read the analysis (in French): https://aeur.eu/f/aau (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)