Press release : European Parliament Intergroup on ‘Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development’ calls for an ambitious & sustainable green recovery plan
European Parliament Intergroup on ‘Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development’ calls for an ambitious & sustainable green recovery plan
In December 2019, the EU Commission presented its European Green Deal, a roadmap designed to overcome the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation by transforming the EU’s economy into a sustainable one, with the ultimate aim of becoming the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. Providing a variety of key measures and policies – such as the first-ever European Climate Law, the Circular Economy Action Plan, the new Industrial Strategy for Europe, the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, the Farm-to-Fork and the new EU Biodiversity Strategy – the European Green Deal is also an integral part of the EU Commission’s strategy to implement the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Meanwhile, as the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted to a major shock to the European and global economy, the European Union is currently mobilizing all means available to coordinate a common European response in order to mitigate its socio-economic impact. At the same time, the European Parliament Intergroup on ‘Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development’ welcomes the European Commission proposal for launching the €750bn recovery fund, and stresses the need for the speedy delivery of an ambitious and sustainable green recovery plan, which remains respectful of the above.
As a result, following the declaration of a climate and environmental emergency in November 2019, the EP Intergroup on ‘Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development’ calls for sustainable green growth that does not rely on short-term solutions and loses sight of the EU environmental and climate objectives. Acknowledging the urgency of combating the immediate consequences of the pandemic, the EP Intergroup welcomes the further support of green investments that ensure sustainable growth for all. It is therefore essential that the European Green Deal, just transition and digital transformation remain at the core of all efforts, while recovery plans at local, national and EU level ought to safeguard Europe’s leadership towards delivering its climate and environmental ambitions.