In a fast track procedure, the European Parliament adopted proposals to water down the protection of nature in the EU’s agriculture policy. The Greens/EFA Group has made concrete proposals to improve farmers' revenues: a fairer redistribution of subsidies towards small & medium farms, a guarantee that prices paid to farmers reflect the evolution of production costs, and better protection against unfair imports from third countries.
Christian democrats, liberals, national conservatives and the far right - who were side by side with farmers in the streets claiming they were fighting for better revenues for farmers - voted down all those proposals.
In 2022 the European Parliament voted on the multi-annual budget. As Greens/EFA we proposed a rule that EU funding should never be allowed to harm climate and biodiversity. Unfortunately this amendment was narrowly rejected, because the social democrats were split on this vote. Christian democrats, national conservatives and the far right did not support the amendment.
To achieve the EU's transition to 100% renewable energy by 2040, several crucial steps are necessary. Firstly, there must be strong political will and public support for renewables, accompanied by private investments primarily from the energy and industrial sectors. Encouraging divestment from fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy sources is essential for a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Legislation plays a key role, and the EU must continue adopting and enforcing measures that enhance energy security, promote energy efficiency, and reduce emissions. That’s why we have been pushing for strong targets when it comes to increasing renewable energy and decreasing the EU’s energy consumption. Additionally, with the RepowerEU plan, targeting a shift away from Russian fossil fuels, we demonstrate a commitment to both environmental sustainability and geopolitical security.
Green initiatives, such as accelerating building renovations and reducing methane emissions, contribute to achieving a low-carbon economy. We have also always emphasised that we need to protect consumers and prevent market manipulation in the energy sector at all cost.
Looking ahead, we propose a phased coal phase-out by 2030, a fossil gas phase-out by 2035, and a complete transition to renewable energy by 2040. We see a green future with electrified transport and industry, prioritised energy efficiency, empowered citizens through energy communities, and substantial investments for a sustainable post-2024 EU.
Keywords: energy crisis, energy prices, energy cost, fuel bills, fossil fuels, renewable energy
Reducing carbon emissions in housing is a crucial step in tackling climate change and achieving a just transition to a climate-neutral economy. A transition to a green economy has to include housing renovation, zero-emission transport, and renewable energy production to address both environmental and social challenges.
This is because investing in green housing initiatives, such as energy-efficient renovations, can significantly contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions that lead to climate change. We also know that for every 1 million euros invested in energy renovation of buildings, an average of 18 jobs are expected to be created in the EU. This not only helps combat climate change but also addresses social issues by providing quality employment opportunities, particularly for low- and medium-skilled workers. More greener and better jobs also contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities. The green transition is estimated to add up to 2 million new jobs in the EU, emphasising the potential for higher quality and more affordable housing.
We believe that everyone has to have access to basic goods and services for a decent life.
In summary, reducing carbon emissions in housing is therefore a key component of a comprehensive green and social strategy, offering a dual benefit of mitigating climate change and promoting social well-being through job creation, improved housing, and enhanced access to essential services.
Keywords: emissions, housing, home insulation, energy efficiency, energy poverty, climate change
Agro-ecological alternatives to GMOs in Europe prioritise restoring ecosystems while maintaining agricultural productivity. Practices such as integrated pest management (IPM) reduce pesticide use by rotating crops, preventing pest resistance, and improving crop resilience. These methods align with the goal of reducing pesticide use by 50% by 2030, as outlined in the Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategy. Non-chemical weed management approaches, including those used by organic farmers and integrated weed management (IWM) practitioners, offer effective weed control without herbicides like glyphosate. Mainstream adoption of these tools, coupled with support from EU and member state funding, can facilitate the transition towards sustainable agriculture. By prioritising ecosystem restoration, and implementing agroecological farming, Europe can achieve agricultural sustainability without relying on GMOs or excessive chemical inputs.
To reduce plastic waste in the EU, we must implement policies that promote a circular economy and incentivise sustainable alternatives. This includes adopting binding targets to reduce waste generation and encouraging recycling. Drastically cutting pollution, particularly from synthetic pesticides and fertilisers in agriculture, is essential to protect soil, water, and air quality.
Consistent implementation of existing legislation, such as water policies and pesticide regulations, is crucial. The EU should ban exports of plastic waste to non-EU countries unless their environmental standards match those of the EU, as supported by the European Parliament.
Ending the consumption of single-use plastics, as outlined in the Single Use Plastics Directive, is a necessary step towards reducing plastic pollution. However, broader changes in production, consumption, and waste management attitudes are needed to achieve a sustainable future and move away from a disposable culture.
Sustainable alternatives to neonicotinoids in Europe include implementing agroecological practices such as crop rotation, intercropping, and habitat diversification to naturally control pests and support pollinators. Utilising biological control methods like introducing natural predators and beneficial insects can effectively manage pest populations without harming bees and other pollinators.
Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, which combine multiple approaches tailored to specific crops and environments, reduce reliance on chemical pesticides while maintaining crop productivity.
Additionally, supporting agroecology and organic farming practices that prohibit synthetic pesticides, including neonicotinoids, encourages environmentally friendly agriculture. The recent decision by the Commission to withdraw the stalled negotiations on the new Pesticides Regulation presents a fresh opportunity to prioritise sustainable pesticide use. We advocate for rules promoting strong pesticide reduction and integrated pest management, crucial for safeguarding biodiversity, pollinators, water quality, public health, and farmers' well-being, in alignment with the EU Farm-to-Fork strategy and the Green Deal.
Last, we firmly advocate for the protection of our farmers from unfair competition with third countries, where the use of synthetic pesticides are still allowed. No crop produced with the use of chemical pesticides that are banned in the EU should be allowed in the EU market. Plus, we call on public authorities to ban the export of chemical pesticides that are banned on EU soil.
Glyphosate, found in products like Roundup grass and weed killer, poses significant threats to biodiversity and human health. It is the most used in farming and urban areas. Despite previous attempts to ban it, the European Commission has renewed its EU approval for another decade, ignoring millions of citizens' calls for its prohibition.
We have been advocating for a complete ban, based on scientific evidence of glyphosate's dangers to nature and public health. The EU's Farm to Fork strategy aims to reduce chemical pesticide use, highlighting the urgent need to transition to non-chemical alternatives. These alternatives, already utilised by organic farmers and practitioners of integrated weed management, offer effective weed control without glyphosate's harms.
Mainstreaming these practices, supported by EU and member state funding, is critical to achieving pesticide reduction targets, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring food security. Therefore, banning glyphosate is essential to protect ecosystems, human health, and promote sustainable agriculture.
Yes, fossil fuels cause climate change. Burning coal, oil, and gas releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, which trap heat and contribute to global warming. That’s why we are advocating for a transition to a renewable-based economy by 2040 to address the climate emergency.
Dependency on fossil fuels not only harms the environment but also affects human health and exacerbates the climate crisis. That’s why we are calling for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2040 and urge for a complete phase-out of fossil fuels in EU law.
Accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources and increasing energy efficiency are crucial steps to mitigate climate change and meet the targets set by the Paris Agreement. The EU must prioritise these actions to ensure a sustainable and fossil free future for all.
Keywords : fossil fuels, climate change, coal fuel, oil fuel, gas fuel, carbon dioxide, co2
If bees were to disappear or become extinct, it would have catastrophic consequences for ecosystems, agriculture, and ultimately human survival. Bees, along with other pollinators, play a vital role in pollinating plants, including 78% of European wild flora and 84% of crops. In other words, they play a crucial role in our food production capacity. Bees pollinate many food plants such as apples, oranges, berries, nuts, and vegetables. Without them, we would suffer a significant reduction in food supply and diversity.
The decline in wild bee populations is attributed to various factors, including pesticide use, climate change, loss of habitat, and changes in agricultural practices. This decline threatens agriculture, food security, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability. We are advocating for stronger protections for pollinators, including a ban on pesticides that are harmful to bees, and a phase-out of synthetic pesticides altogether. We are also promoting more sustainable agricultural practices to save bees and ensure food security.
Repairing a phone can often be more expensive than buying a new one due to a variety of factors, including limited access to spare parts, repair documentation, and tools, as well as the prevalence of premature obsolescence. Manufacturers deliberately design products with minimal repairability, nudging consumers toward expensive replacements over repairs. Also, the monopoly of manufacturers over repair processes, including firmware updates and diagnostic software, restricts third-party repair options, maintaining high prices.
That’s why we have fought for the right to repair in the EU. The Right to Repair grants consumers and independent repair professionals the ability to repair and modify products, ensuring access to necessary tools, documentation, and spare parts. This empowers individuals to extend the lifespan of their devices, saving money and reducing electronic waste. The legislation also fosters innovation, encourages sustainable practices, and promotes fair competition among businesses. By prioritising repair and extending warranties, we aim to make repairing more affordable and accessible, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and circular economy.
Keywords : right to repair, repair, spare parts, premature obsolescence, electronic waste, circular economy
The cleanest form of energy is renewable energy. To address the climate emergency and enhance energy security, we need to transition to a highly efficient, 100% renewable-based economy by 2040. This approach is both economically and environmentally sustainable. Achieving this goal requires transforming various sectors, including power, heat, industry, and transport, with strong political will, public support, and private investments.
Renewable energy is vital for people, ensuring access to clean and affordable energy while reducing health and environmental risks associated with fossil fuels. For the planet, ending dependency on fossil fuels is crucial for combating climate change and preserving the habitability of Earth. From a business perspective, the energy transition enhances competitiveness, creates jobs, and boosts financial benefits.
The EU has made significant strides, including binding targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency, but further action is needed. We advocate for a phase-out of coal and fossil gas, accelerating electrification, prioritising energy efficiency, empowering citizens in the transition, and increasing investments in renewables, sustainable technologies and green energy solutions.
Keywords: renewable energy, clean energy, green energy, low-carbon energy, wind power, solar energy, hydro energy, thermal energy
Nature is declining faster than ever, and we are in the midst of a mass extinction, the first since humans inhabited the Earth. Our survival depends on nature. Yet, we are driving it to the brink. We must act together to address both climate change and biodiversity loss. We cannot save one without the other.
Fortunately, nature has the remarkable ability to recover. We need to implement nature-friendly practices in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, protecting vital ecosystems and ecological diversity. The EU needs to take decisive action to restore biodiversity and ensure a sustainable future.
Biodiversity conservation is crucial for food production, clean water, and protection from natural disasters. The EU has adopted strategies and legislative proposals to protect nature, but we are fighting for bolder actions. Together, we can save biodiversity and create a healthier planet for everyone by advocating for stronger environmental policies, supporting sustainable practices, and holding businesses accountable.
