The Network met by videoconference this afternoon to hold an exchange with Diederik Samsom, Head of Cabinet for European Commission Executive Vice President Frans Timmermans, on COP27, the Fit for 55 package, and energy.
Meeting Chair Javi Lopez MEP said:
“Inherently volatile fossil fuel prices, combined with the impact of the war in Ukraine, are making it clearer and clearer that Europe needs to urgently change how we meet our energy needs. Renewables are the answer. We have been pushing this for some time as a solution which is best for the planet and citizens.
“Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans has led the way on this, supported by the S&D Group in the Parliament and PES ministers in the Council. Thanks to progressives, Europe is taking the lead on climate action.
“As socialists and democrats, we are committed to implementing all of the European Green Deal climate policies and fulfilling the objectives of the Paris Agreement. This is the only way we can protect our planet and guarantee a safe, healthy, and socially fair future for generations to come.
“Policies we put in place at home, in Europe, are important not only for us but also for bringing the rest of the world on board. If we show other countries that the green transition is possible, is needed, and is the only way ahead, we will incentivise them to do the same. By leading at home, the EU is setting its sights on raising global ambitions too.”
The European Green Deal, under the leadership of Executive Vice President Frans Timmermans, is Europe’s roadmap to a sustainable future. The Fit for 55 package will enable Europe to reach its 2030 greenhouse gasses emissions reduction target, and consequently become climate neutral by 2050. Socialists and democrats are committed to adopting and implementing the Fit for 55 package to guarantee the wellbeing of EU citizens now, in 2030, in 2050, and beyond.
The meeting also discussed the urgent need to secure affordable and clean energy under a European Green Deal that delivers on both green and social objectives. Through investment in clean energy, progressives are committed to fighting energy poverty and supporting the energy transition. By scaling up renewables and decarbonising the energy sector, citizens can avoid steep price increases caused by fossil fuel volatility, whilst simultaneously improving their environment, health and wellbeing.
For socialists and democrats, decarbonisation policies must have an inherent social dimension that will safeguard those who are most vulnerable and ensure that the costs of the transition are shared equally. The environmental and the social dimension are two inseparable components of the European Green Deal.
