In a statement published on Thursday 24 July on the social network X, the Patriots for Europe (PfE) group in the European Parliament, to which the lead rapporteur Ondřej Knotek (Czech) belongs, strongly opposed the European Commission’s proposal for a 90% net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 (see EUROPE 13672/1).
Describing the target as “an unrealistic plan” and accusing it of being an ideological project out of touch with economic realities, the far-right group blames the ‘European Green Deal’ for job losses and industrial relocations.
Ondřej Knotek spoke in favour of “pragmatic” climate policies focused on competitiveness.
“This is proof that we cannot collaborate with those who want to dismantle climate action”, reacted the ‘shadow’ rapporteur, Lena Schilling (Greens/EFA, Austrian), on the social network Bluesky. “Pro-democracy groups must now work together”, she added.
Despite the rejection of the urgency procedure in plenary on 9 July (see EUROPE 13677/3), the EPP, S&D, Renew Europe, Greens/EFA and The Left parliamentary groups have agreed on an accelerated timetable. If PfE tries to obstruct the process, an exceptional use of the emergency procedure as early as September is envisaged. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)