BRUSSELS — A chilling shift has erupted in the European Parliament as the far-right Patriots for Europe group has taken the reins over the bloc's crucial climate negotiations. This unexpected power grab threatens to derail the European Green Deal, a pivotal framework designed to steer the continent toward climate neutrality by 2050. With leaders like Marine Le Pen’s National Rally and Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz at the helm, the implications for environmental justice and sustainable policy are alarming.
Patriots for Europe Gains Unprecedented Control
On Tuesday, the Patriots for Europe, now the third-largest faction in the European Parliament with 85 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), successfully outbid centrist and left-leaning parties to control discussions on the EU's 2040 interim climate target. This marks a stark departure from the previous term where far-right representatives were relegated to the sidelines, merely offering futile amendments to climate laws.
The Patriots have openly criticized the European Commission's proposal to cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90 percent by 2040, calling for an abandonment of the Green Deal entirely. Jordan Bardella, the group's chairman, stated, “We are not in favor of declining growth levels. We're not in favor of abandoning our industrial base,” revealing a stark opposition to the climate actions necessary for a sustainable future. According to Politico, this indicates a strategic pivot towards economic interests over environmental imperatives.
Threat to Environmental Progress
The far-right's newfound influence is especially troubling when considering the delicate state of Europe’s green agenda. The Patriots’ leadership could result in significant delays in the legislative process, deliberately obstructing necessary action on climate change. As reported by Politico, this group has already voiced intentions to counter the progressive measures put forth by the Commission.
It’s crucial to note that the European People's Party (EPP), traditionally a center-right alliance, now finds itself in a precarious position. They could either support a fast-tracked motion led by progressive forces or align with the far-right, risking significant backlash from centrist and left-wing groups. Lena Schilling, leader of the 2040 target negotiations for the Greens, criticized the EPP's missteps, stating, “They really messed up.”
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Implications for Climate Justice
The far-right's control over climate negotiations raises urgent questions about environmental justice and the future of sustainable policies in Europe. The rise of the Patriots for Europe signals a dangerous alignment of right-wing parties, which can now leverage their collective influence to undermine decades of progress toward climate action. As AP News reports, Bardella and his allies are calling for a halt to the Green Deal, claiming that it threatens the industrial base and economic viability of European nations.
The economic arguments put forth by the far-right are not just about preserving jobs; they also reflect a deliberate attempt to prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability. This echoes broader global trends where climate action is often pitted against economic growth, a false dichotomy that must be challenged. The push from far-right factions could lead to a rollback of environmental protections and a further entrenchment of fossil fuel dependency.
Urgency for Progressive Action
With the 2040 climate target now under the control of the far-right, progressive groups must mobilize quickly to counteract this influence. The upcoming vote on the fast-tracked motion represents a critical moment for centrist and left-leaning legislators. The need for solidarity among these groups is more pressing than ever, as they must work together to ensure that ambitious climate goals are not sacrificed at the altar of political expediency.
As the situation unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that the fight for climate justice in Europe is at a crossroads. The far-right's ascendancy in the European Parliament poses a direct threat to environmental policies that aim to mitigate climate change and protect vulnerable communities. The choices made in the coming weeks will determine whether Europe can continue on its path toward a sustainable and equitable future or succumb to regressive policies that prioritize profit over planet.
September 28, 2022 Russia-Ukraine news | CNN
