Almost 2 months before the European elections, Netherland’s Bas Eickhout, co-Spitzenkandidat of the European Green Party, elected at the beginning of February (see EUROPE 13343/18) with German Terry Reintke, shares his experience and vision for the European Union, while the environmentalists are struggling in the polls. Between enthusiasm and various pressures, notably around the European Green Deal, the Dutch MEP affirms the importance of these elections for the future of the EU. He discusses the thorny issues of foreign interference, in the light of recent scandals linked to the news website Voice of Europe (see EUROPE 13382/12), recorded in Prague where he visited. In his exchange with Agence Europe, he also discusses the issues surrounding the rise of the far right, the Common Agricultural Policy and migration policy, reaffirming the Greens’ position in favour of a Europe that fully embraces inclusion and environmental sustainability. (Interview by Nithya Paquiri)
Agence Europe - At the halfway point in what was promised to be a challenging campaign, could you give us a mid-term review?
Bas Eickhout - As Spitzenkandidat, I’ve been to Denmark, Spain, the Czech Republic and notably, the Netherlands, my home country. And if I were to offer a midterm assessment, on the positive side, I truly sense a great deal of enthusiasm within the parties. I firmly believe that people recognise the significant importance of these European elections for the future of Europe, understanding that we’re at a critical juncture.
On the less positive side, there’s noticeable pressure concerning the European Green Deal. Frequently questioned about it, we sometimes feel as though we’re its sole defenders, which seems logical given its title, the ‘Green Deal’. As a Green politician, naturally, I advocate for the Green Deal, although it’s a compromise formed by all centrist parties.
Therefore, it’s the collective outcome of all political groups, even if some now step back, leaving the Greens as its primary defenders. Despite our endorsement, we’ve also been vocal critics of certain aspects. Hence, the challenge lies in underscoring the Green Deal’s significance without appearing as its lone champion, especially when its present form doesn’t fully align with our vision. This encapsulates the campaign’s challenges.
Amid this campaign, the European Union has recently been rocked by a scandal involving pro-Russian influence, reminiscent of the ‘Qatargate’ incident. You’ve called for an investigation into the European election candidates. How do you view the threat of foreign interference, and do you believe it might intensify? What long-term solutions do you propose?
Drawing parallels with ‘Qatargate’ is fitting, as, in my view, the current situation is equally serious, if not more so, due to Russia’s explicit intent to weaken the European Union and undermine our democracy. ‘Qatargate’, with its memorable imagery of cash-filled suitcases, captured widespread attention, but Russian interference represents a direct attack on our foundational values. Following ‘Qatargate’, MEPs implicated were arrested and expelled from their political groups, a response that should set a precedent for current events.
I staunchly advocate that any MEP accepting money from foreign interference, whether from Qatar or Russia, must face prosecution and removal from their political group. I also call on political groups to seriously address this matter and exclude any implicated members. It’s evident that far-right political groups in the European Parliament must clean up their ranks.
The European Parliament should conduct a thorough investigation, akin to the one following ‘Qatargate’, to enhance transparency and toughen sanctions against corruption, safeguarding the integrity of our European democracy and the European elections.
You’ve highlighted the far-right’s involvement, whose influence in the European Parliament is expected to grow, according to estimates. Given your campaign’s focus on combating the far-right and its impact on democracy and human rights in Europe, how does your party aim to advocate for a more federal European Union, emphasising democracy, transparency, and accountability?
The fate of European democracy is paramount in these elections, against the backdrop of threats from Russia and the United States, particularly under the spectre of a potential Donald Trump reelection. The EU finds itself more isolated than ever, with some nations, like France, clinging to the illusion of autonomous action. Our democracy’s survival hinges on a united Europe.
External threats from Russia and the United States, alongside internal challenges like those posed by Orbán in Hungary and the situation in Poland, jeopardise our values. The rise of the far-right in countries like Slovakia further endangers our European democracy.
To safeguard our democracy, we must demand a more assertive stance from the European Commission on upholding the Rule of law, and from the European People’s Party (EPP), a commitment to not cooperate with anti-democratic and anti-European forces. The Greens categorically refuse any collaboration with the ECR, equating them with the ID group.
Discussing a core theme of this political spectrum, you emphasise, in your manifesto, individual rights and advocate for a migration policy that recognises the positive contributions of migrants. Why is it crucial to emphasise this point?
The thought that is coming ahead on the Pact on Migration and Asylum (see EUROPE 13346/9) is a good illustration. We unanimously agree on the need for enhanced European cooperation on migration. However, certain aspects of the pact, especially those concerning border measures, are contentious as they potentially compromise the fundamental right to seek asylum. Practices such as the possible detention of children contradict our European values.
We, the Greens, argue that individuals fleeing persecution deserve a personalised assessment of their rights, affirming that detaining children is unacceptable. The notion of a “Fortress Europe”, perceived as a shield against external threats, disregards our demographic reality of an ageing population and the impending labour shortage. Europe must advocate for legal migration routes rather than erecting barriers.
Ignoring this reality and our core values deviates from the essence of what Europe represents. We stress the importance of welcoming and assisting refugees, in line with our long-standing international commitments.
Despite environmental concerns being a priority for European citizens, projections indicate the Greens might recede from their 2019 achievements, possibly due to an increased focus on purchasing power. How do you plan to convince that a synergy between social justice and ecology is attainable? Furthermore, how can you maintain momentum when there are calls for a “regulatory pause”?
Our critique of the Green Deal stems from this. Indeed, environmental policies are pivotal for our future and the economy. The jobs of tomorrow will emerge from the Green Deal, and the global race for environmental innovation is intensifying.
Nations like the United States and China are heavily investing in green technologies and industries, underscoring the global shift. Proposing a halt in this progression, initiated in 2019, would be misguided. We cannot afford to decelerate after merely a few kilometres.
However, the Green Deal inadequately addresses inequalities. Environmental policies disproportionately benefit the affluent, sidelining those who perceive these changes as overly rapid and exacerbating. Large corporations and agricultural enterprises gain from favourable conditions, to the detriment of SMEs and small farmers.
The Green Deal must more effectively confront inequalities to sustain its support. The perception of an unfair transition fuels current dissent. Moving forward, it’s imperative to bolster the fairness of the transition the Green Deal envisages.
What is your stance on the recent revision of the Common Agricultural Policy, (see EUROPE 13379/2) aimed at alleviating European farmers’ discontent?
Short-sighted and fails to aid any farmer!
The prevailing economic model benefits the fertiliser and pesticide industries, retailers, and supermarkets, leaving farmers economically squeezed. The CAP exacerbates inequalities by favouring large farms, prompting our opposition as it perpetuates an unjust and outdated system.
Free trade agreements heighten competition without addressing the imbalances fostered by our subsidy system, deepening agricultural despair.
Certain politicians, notably from the far-right, erroneously attribute farmers’ struggles to environmental policies. Diluting the Green Deal, as suggested by the Commission, won’t address the fundamental challenges farmers face in a globalised market. We stress the need to revisit our economic model and engage in meaningful discussions to genuinely support farmers.
These are the topics of the campaign and I do think we are ready.