INTERGROUP MANIFESTO 2019-2024

Who we are

Established in 1994 at EBCD’s initiative with the support of IUCN, the European Parliament Intergroup on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development benefits from the support of the four most important political groups in the European Parliament and of Members of the European Parliament from all EU Member States and political families. It constitutes one of the most important and influential Intergroups in the European Parliament.

The Intergroup brings together Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from all political groups and Parliamentary Committees to find sustainable solutions to some of the greatest challenges of our time. This balanced forum of discussion allows MEPs to listen, debate and shape ideas and policies based on contributions from the different stakeholders (relevant experts, NGOs, private sector, researchers and academics) in the presence of the European Commission, EU Presidency, and EU Member States.

 “The Union shall work for the sustainable development of Europe based on balanced economic growth and price stability, a highly competitive social market economy, aiming at full employment and social progress, and a high level of protection and improvement of the quality of the environment.”

Article 3 (3) of the Treaty of Lisbon

Mission ­­­­

“Recognising that a sustainable world needs to ensure human well-being, nature protection and economic prosperity for present and future generations, this multi-stakeholder platform of dialogue aims to look into the solutions and opportunities provided by different sectors to address today’s and tomorrow’s environmental and socio-economic challenges, such as ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss and climate change but also growth, competitiveness and jobs.”

Objectives

  • Provide a cross-party and cross-committee platform for MEPs to openly debate and exchange with all stakeholders in a balanced way;
  • Encourage strong involvement, dialogue and close cooperation among all stakeholders;
  • Effectively integrate sustainable development principles social, economic and environmental pillars into EU decision-making and policy;
  • Build on political, scientific and practical expertise to guide the development and implementation of coherent sustainable policies based on scientific evidence;
  • Support science-based management and sustainable use of all natural renewable resources, including minerals, wildlife and marine resources;
  • Develop and demonstrate the value of innovative nature-based solutions for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth in a competitive Europe;
  • Link the innovation agenda with the sustainability agenda.

Approach

The Intergroup adopts a multi-stakeholder approach and brings together MEPs with representatives of the European Commission, Member States and EU Presidency and key stakeholders, such as NGOs, private sector and industry representatives, scientists, experts, and civil society.

Structure of the Intergroup

  • Chair of the Intergroup: MEP Miapetra Kumpula-Natri & MEP Maria Spyraki
  • 14 Working Groups chaired by 28 Vice Chairs (MEPs)
  • All the working groups and Vice-Chairs interact with each other in a cross-cutting way
  • The Official Bureau of the Intergroup is formed by the Chair and the Vice-Chairs who have top decision-making powers
  • An Advisory Group represented by Intergroup’s stakeholders advises the secretariat and the bureau
  • The Secretariat of the Intergroup deals with logistical issues and acts as liaison between the MEPs and the stakeholders

The Working Groups

Members of the Advisory Group

  • IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)
  • UN Environment (United Nations Environment Programme)
  • FAO UN Brussels (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations)
  • CoR (Committee of the Regions)
  • EIB (European Investment Bank)
  • EEB (European Environmental Bureau)
  • CEPF (European Confederation of Forest Owners)
  • EUSTAFOR (European State Forest Association)
  • EUBA (European Bioeconomy Alliance)
  • COPA COGECA (European farmers and agri-cooperatives)
  • ECPA (European Crop Protection Association)
  • EurEau
  • Eurodom
  • Plastics Europe
  • ACR+ (Association of Cities and Regions for Sustainable Resource Management)
  • Cepi (Confederation of European Paper Industries)
  • FEAP (Federation of European Aquaculture Producers)
  • Europêche (Association of National Organizations of Fishing Enterprises in the EU)
  • FoodDrinkEurope