The Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament has placed a just transition and the fight against the far right at the heart of its political priorities for the 2024-2029 legislative cycle.
“We stand determined to work together with democratic forces, to stop the far right, to take rapid action to protect our democracy and to create prosperity and good jobs through a Green and Social Deal”, the political group announced in a document finalised on Wednesday 10 July.
The environmentalists and regionalists are refusing to back down over the ‘Green Deal’ which calls for a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions “of at least 90%” by 2040 and a phase-out of fossil fuels by COP30.
To achieve this, they require: - a special fund for nature and a ‘Pact for Oceans and Rivers’; - special attention to water management; - an investment plan to decarbonise industries such as the steel industry and promote renewable energies; - a revision of the REACH regulation governing chemicals and the gradual elimination of PFAS ‘forever’ pollutants; - a tool for sustainable public procurement.
To address the issue of purchasing power, which has been undermined by the recent energy crisis, the Greens/EFA group suggests setting up a “Green and Social Transition Fund of at least 1% EU GDP funded by joint borrowing”. The document also advocates tackling the housing crisis and implementing a directive on minimum incomes to halve poverty by 2030.
Through new rules, farmers would benefit from decent incomes, in particular through a better distribution of Common Agricultural Policy aid, which would be capped. And it would no longer be permitted to sell agricultural products at a loss. The environmentalists also believe that new European rules need to be put in place so that consumers have a better idea of what they are eating and where it comes from.
The third area of focus for the Greens/EFA Group is the defence of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights. A directive to establish minimum standards for the protection of civil society and a strategy for gender equality would be drawn up. The right to abortion would also be included in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
As for the EU’s external action, it must not weaken human rights, say the environmentalists. This applies to trade policy and the financial instruments of foreign policy, which must not be used to the detriment of human, social and environmental rights.
To see the 2042-2029 priorities of the Greens/EFA Group, go to https://aeur.eu/f/czt (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)