Under the leadership of the European Commission Executive Vice President Frans Timmermans, the EU is on course to implement the European Green Deal and achieve its objectives. Following the adoption of the European Climate Law earlier this year, the Fit for 55 package will make EU legislation and policies fit for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, paving the way towards climate neutrality by 2050.
PES President Sergei Stanishev said:
“Acting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect and restore biodiversity, and tackle climate change is no longer an option, it is an obligation. Every day we see the evidence that the climate crisis is real and the health of our planet and the people is in serious danger. We need to keep moving forward together and deliver on our climate ambitions while ensuring the transition towards more sustainability is just for all.
“Fighting the climate crisis is both an ecological and a social challenge. I warmly welcome the fact that the Fit for 55 package includes a proposal for a new Climate Social Fund that will aim to mitigate negative social impacts that might arise. We need to transform our society in way that is socially fair and leaves nobody behind.
“The adoption of the European Climate Law was a major step forward in fighting the climate crisis. We have a strong legal obligation to act and Fit for 55 will enable us to adapt our legislation and policies, aligning them with our climate targets.”
Shifting to a sustainable future that is fair and just for all citizens is one of the key goals for Europe’s socialist family.
Fit for 55 will accelerate greenhouse gas emission reductions in the next decade. A new Social Climate Fund will provide dedicated funding to Member States to help citizens finance investments in energy efficiency, new heating and cooling systems, and cleaner mobility, counteracting any short-term pressure that may arise for vulnerable households, micro-enterprises and transport users.
The adoption of the Climate Law – which enters into force this month – was driven forward by European Commission Executive Vice President Frans Timmermans, facilitated by the work of the German Presidency of the Council of the EU under the leadership of Minister Svenja Schulze from SPD Germany. The Portuguese Presidency, led by Minister João Pedro Matos Fernandes from PS Portugal, committed to find agreement as a matter of priority. Socialist and Democrat MEPs, led by S&D Rapporteur Jytte Guteland have worked to strengthen the Climate Law and gather support in the European Parliament.
Progressives will keep working for a swift implementation of the Fit for 55 package, leading to a more sustainable, fair and socially just Europe.
