HABEMUS GREEN MANDATE? 👀

All eyes in Brussels were on the European Council yesterday, awaiting the white smoke signalling EU leaders’ decision on the bloc's top jobs and priorities for the next five years. The nominated names suggest there will be no schism at the heart of the EU. Ursula von der Leyen is almost certain to serve a second term, keeping authoritarian forces away from decision-making. The real question is the fate of von der Leyen’s most important legacy: the Green Deal. The EU's strategic agenda, fiercely debated at the leaders’ conclave, reveals all. 

NEW LEADERS, SAME CHALLENGES 🔄🌿 

EU TOP JOBS: Last evening, the EU's top negotiators agreed to grant von der Leyen a second mandate for the EU Commission presidency, and to entrust former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa for the EU Council presidency, and Estonia's Kaja Kallas for the foreign policy post. This conservative-socialist-liberal coalition signals continuity with the past mandate and dispels fears of alliances with the extreme right, at least for now. Also, the nomination of von der Leyen to continue in her role is an implicit endorsement of her Green Deal legacy, and building on this legacy is critical. We need more ambition and implementation.

PRESSING PRIORITIES: This morning, leaders crossed the T’s and dotted the I’s on the EU's strategic agenda. This agenda has been highly contested in early drafts, particularly for sidelining green policies. Recent leaks showed improvements, with language on restoring nature, water and the environment. Last evening, we heard promising rumours that a reference to pollution was added next to biodiversity and climate change—which it was! However, climate priorities seem to hinge on competitiveness and not losing the net-zero technologies race to the US and China. This obsession must not lead to deregulation or neglecting other Green Deal goals like zero pollution. Watch our video for more insights, and see the full agenda here.

ALL-IN DEAL: The EU's most pressing challenge isn't the trade war with China but the triple planetary crisis of biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution. We must tackle this crisis head-on, alongside our strategic and social challenges. An 84% of EU citizens support the EU’s environmental legislation and call for more action. That's why the EEB, along with thousands of organisations and individuals, calls for a comprehensive approach for this mandate: a social, green pact for a one-planet economy. Check out the Pact for the Future and sign it if you haven't already. 

BYE BELGIUM... 👋🇧🇪

VISIBLE EFFORTS: The Belgians bid farewell to the rotating helm of the EU presidency this week. They made significant strides in pushing forward the final sprint of the Green Deal, aiming to secure its continuation into the next legislative cycle. Despite remarkable gains in circular economy and environmental justice and a sigh of relief with the nature restoration law vote, the shortcomings in water and especially agriculture leave us with our glass of champagne half-full. Stay tuned for our full assessment next week. 

...HI HUNGARY 👋🇭🇺

NEW CAPTAIN: Hungary steps in to replace Belgium at the steering wheel in a politically shifting landscape following the EU Elections. While the Hungarian Presidency might not be at the helm during a key legislative moment, as Brussels focuses on installing new political leadership, it will still carry political weight. Ambition is needed to drive EU enlargement processes and improve policies, notably the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which risks making farmers more vulnerable to climate and biodiversity crises and exacerbating already real threats to food security. 

THE ELEPHANT IN THE FARM: After a disappointing council conclusion, which mentioned CAP in only one line, Hungary is now working on first thoughts that will influence the EU Commission’s proposal. This proposal caused an uproar due to its lack of scientific evidence, proper argumentation, and public consultation, along with its failure to justify the removal of environmental requirements. With a deeply undemocratic process, relying solely on lobby group Copa-Cogeca for advice, this policy is unfair and sure to provoke the anger of farmers, stifle innovation, and hinder the entry of young farmers. 

LARGER, GREENER UNION ✨🌱

UKRAINE & MOLDOVA: Despite Hungary's attempts to block the move, this week marks the beginning of accession talks for Ukraine and Moldova. The EU has given the green light to start the process for these two countries to become part of the Union. Tuesday’s meetings with Ukraine and Moldova will initiate a review process to assess how well the countries' laws align with EU standards and identify the work still needed. 

NGOs’ ROLE: At this crucial moment, our president, Toni Vidan, travelled to Ukraine on a solidarity visit to meet with some of our members. He stressed the importance of NGOs’ work in pushing for green reconstruction, recovery, and progress on environmental policies to speed up Ukraine's EU membership. 

ECO-FRIENDLY ENLARGEMENT: As the first steps towards EU membership are taken, the EEB encourages the Union to take the necessary legal steps by opening Chapter 27 of the EU Acquis to form a relationship rooted in sustainability and a commitment to environmental protection for present and future generations. In our European Pact for the Future, we have outlined key measures to implement a green and just transition in candidate countries. Check it out! 

CURE-ALL: DEMOCRACY 💡⚖️

REAL DEAL. Last week, the EEB headed to Budapest for the RealDeal Summit, where we presented and explored innovations in deliberative democracy. With European democracy under threat from far-right narratives, it’s crucial to involve people in decision-making processes and restore faith in the democratic system. As Anthony Zacharzewski of DemSoc aptly quoted, “The cure for the evils of democracy is more democracy.” Institutionalising deliberative processes can combat political short-termism and address voters' concerns. Catch up on any sessions you missed from day 1, 2 or 3. 

CLIMATE: THE MOMENT OF TRUTH 🌍🔍

NATIONAL PLANS: On June 30th, all EU countries will submit their National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) for EU Commission review. While these plans might not grab headlines, they are crucial. They outline each country's strategy to meet the 2030 climate goals, aiming to collectively limit global heating to the 1.5°C target of the Paris Agreement, while ensuring a socially just transition. 

SECOND CHANCE: The initial draft NECPs fell short, according to both NGOs and the EU Commission. The revised plans will undergo another round of scrutiny, and we depend on the EU Commission to maintain rigorous standards. Urgent, concrete action on renewables and energy demand is necessary to displace fossil fuels. These plans must be up to the task. 

POOR PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT: It’s crucial for Europeans to have a voice in plans that will significantly affect their daily lives, from commuting to dietary choices and home heating. Unfortunately, Member States have shown a lack of commitment to proper public participation, particularly of youth—the very people who will inherit the outcomes of these plans. Public participation in environmental decision-making is a legal requirement under the Aarhus Convention. Developing robust plans now is imperative to meet legal obligations and prevent future conflicts as litigation increasingly becomes a tool for citizens to enforce environmental laws. 

JOIN US! 👥🤝  

WORK WITH US – The work continues, and we're always seeking new supporters. Could you be one of them? Check out our current vacancies on our website. At the EEB, we're committed to equal rights. For four years, we've contributed data to the FAIR SHARE monitor, assessing women's representation across all levels. In 2024, out of 95 organizations, we ranked 17th with a FAIR SHARE Index of 6.61, showing fair representation of women in our staff, management, and board roles.

SIGN IT 🌍✨

JOIN THE FUTURE: The European Pact for the Future sparks hope and courage, creates opportunities, and ensures wellbeing for everyone. It promotes sustainable competitiveness and drives transformative changes for a greener tomorrow. Check out the Pact and sign it if you haven't already.

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