In a Europe grappling with growing geopolitical and social challenges, the European think-tank Jacques Delors Institute published an article on Wednesday 31 January regarding consolidating the implementation of Europe’s climate and energy policy to move towards a ‘mutually beneficial green transition’ in the face of rising radical right-wing populism.
Fuelled by socio-economic pessimism, this political movement finds fertile ground in the uncertainties linked to energy and climate policies.
The European Green Deal, aimed at transitioning to a sustainable economy, therefore requires a new approach to win public support.
The institute recommends forging a political narrative based on trust, support and dialogue. It stresses the importance of strengthening financial solidarity, in particular by increasing the EU budget to support Member States. Training in green skills and the creation of quality jobs in environmental sectors are also essential.
More interactive governance and the establishment of an EU citizen assembly on climate are also proposed as ways of strengthening the legitimacy of policies and lowering the temperature of the debate on climate issues.
These measures aim to boost confidence in the green transition and counter populist rhetoric with inclusive and effective policies, which are essential to the success of the European Green Deal.
Read the publication: https://aeur.eu/f/anr (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)