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A letter signed by the ministers of Austria, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Portugal presses for the European Green Deal to be applied as a ‘roadmap to make the right choices in responding to the economic crisis while transforming Europe into a sustainable and climate neutral economy’.
The letter is the latest in a series of recent statements – from all corners of politics and industry – that rally behind a green economic recovery. Similar calls have been made by energy companies, Members of the European Parliament, the Club of Rome, NGOs and many others.
The European Council has also called on the EU to prepare an economic recovery plan that would integrate the green transition.
‘By putting the European Green Deal at the heart of our recovery, the signatories demonstrate a great level of responsibility and foresight. This is the leadership Europe needs right now!
‘Europe’s response to the Covid-19 crisis must put us firmly on the path to a truly sustainable, climate-neutral and just economy – for the sake of the environment, but also for building greater resilience of our societies and our economy.’
ESTER ASIN
Director of the WWF European Policy Office
Several critical elements for recovery measures at national and EU levels are confirmed in the letter, including a recognition that keeping the momentum of European Green Deal will ‘deliver on the twin benefits of stimulating economies and creating jobs while accelerating the green transition in a cost efficient way’.
The letter also warns that ‘we cannot afford setbacks that can have detrimental effects on our climate, biodiversity and environment as well as on human health and our economies.’
In the letter, ministers urge resisting ‘the temptations of short-term solutions in response to the present crisis that risk locking the EU in a fossil fuel economy for decades to come’.
In practice, this would rule out any subsidies or bailouts going to high-carbon economic activities, such as coal mining, fossil fuel exploration, airport infrastructure or motorways and highways.
This is fully in line with WWF’s own recommendations for a sustainable and just recovery.
The signatories are also calling for an increased EU 2030 emissions target before the end of the year, and to adhere to the timetable of the Paris climate agreement despite the delay of COP26.
WWF has long advocated for the 2030 target to be increased to 65% by September 2020 in order to stay within the 1.5 C objective agreed in Paris.
‘We call all EU governments to sign on to this letter. Importantly, the pledges must now be put into practice – both at EU and national levels. This is not the time for empty promises to European citizens and businesses, so concrete action must now follow.
‘The EU must unite at this difficult time, and send a strong political signal to people, industry and decision-makers around the world that this crisis will not throw us off our chosen path of sustainability.’
ESTER ASIN
Director of the WWF European Policy Office
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