Mr Beata Szydło, MEP of PiS, pointed out the increasingly clear signals of possible departure from the Green Deal in the European Parliament. In a short recording published on social media, the erstwhile Prime Minister shared her observations on discussions among Euro MPs.
– I am going to a gathering on Europe's energy security. I am listening to what is being heard more and more frequently in the hallway of the European Parliament, in the spheres. It turns out that the Green Deal is already passe. And nobody wants to admit who wrote it. 1 thing is known – this task has plunged the European economy and it needs to be removed as shortly as possible", emphasises Beata Szydło.
One subject is discussed in the cultural talks in the corridors of the European Parliament: how to get free of Green Deal. pic.twitter.com/JjCiu24W23
— Beata Szydło (@BeataSzdlo) January 28, 2025
European Commission: No more green lobbying
The European Commission (EC) has announced changes in the way Green Deal projects are financed. The EC announced that EUR 5.4 billion of the Green Projects Fund could no longer be spent on lobbying. This information was provided by the Politico portal citing papers from within the Commission.
‘The EU is totally for environmental protection. I just don't want to pay for it anymore. The European Commission has informed environmental NGOs that the money they receive from the alleged green EU funds can no longer be utilized for lobbying and advocacy," Politico said.
Decisions in line with the promise of the centreright
The EC's actions are in line with the anti-green electoral promises of the European People's organization (EPP), which were part of the run before the European Parliament elections. Among them are:
- reduction of wolf protection status,
- delaying the entry into force of the fresh anti-deforestation legislation,
- simplification of reporting obligations for sustainable improvement for companies.
These decisions are part of the EPP manifesto, which influences the form of future environmental policy in the EU.
LIFE Fund under the microscope
The LIFE Programme, liable for financing environmental projects, has a budget of EUR 5.4 billion for the period 2021–2027. According to the EU website, " LIFE full contributes to the objectives and objectives of the European Green Deal". However, the EC, in consequence to papers provided by CINEA, emphasises that these funds can no longer be allocated to lobbying activities.
The recipients of the fund include organizations specified as WWF, Friends of the Earth and ClientEarth, as well as many smaller entities. These decisions can convey changes in the way Green Governance operates, especially in the context of future elections and increasing criticism from any political groups.
The Future of Green Deal
The Green Deal debate shows that EU environmental policy is facing a crucial minute of redefining. Will Green Deal truly halt being a priority? Are these changes the consequence of real economical needs or political calculations? These questions will accompany further discussions in the European Parliament.
Read more:
Szydło: In the corridors of the EP, it is increasingly said that the Green Deal should be abandoned.
