Today, representatives of PES member parties, the S&D Group in the European Parliament, PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions, think tanks, political foundations, trade unions, and civil society met to discuss how to ensure the preservation, implementation, and development of progressive climate and energy policies in the new mandate. The debate at the meeting of the PES Environment, Climate, and Energy Network (ECEN) centred around how to stay on track to our climate goals and how to make the clean energy transition affordable and just.
The network first discussed EU legislative proposals, reflecting on how key initiatives, such as the “Fit for 55” package, National Emergency and Climate Plans (NECPs), and biodiversity protection, drive climate action on a local, regional, and European level. Valvanera Ulargui Aparicio, climate expert from the Cabinet of Executive Vice- President Teresa Ribera, gave important insight into the ambitions of the European Commission, highlighting the importance of establishing an ambitious 2040 climate target, preparing the EU Nationally Determined Contributions for 2035, and shifting the narrative around the Green Deal to gain more support.
Tsvetelina Penkova, Vice-Chair of the ITRE Committee from the S&D, introduced the exchange on the energy transition and affordability, celebrating the achievements of our political family with the Green Deal, renewable energy support, and providing the building blocks to European competitiveness and green industries. Nevertheless, it is key to continue investing in modernising electricity grids, storage infrastructure, and creating solidarity among member states to build interconnections and complete the Energy Union.
Chair of the PES Environment, Climate Change and Energy Network (ECEN), Javi López, stated:
“Today’s ECEN meeting discussed ways to advance our progressive green agenda in climate policies and the energy sector. As the mandate with new Commissioners and MEPs is in full swing, it is important to reflect on our achievements and shortcomings in the last mandate, draw lessons from them, and continue being ambitious in this one.
We must also acknowledge our new environment. In the previous mandate, the EPP strongly supported the Green Deal. Now, there has been a shift in their support and the Green Deal has become politicised. This is the new reality, NGOs know this better than me.
We know the answer. We must reach our climate targets. We must remain a strong force against opposing voices that undermine the Green Deal and just transition. We must focus on the implementation and development of ambitious climate and energy policies if we want Europe to be decarbonised, sustainable, just, and competitive. That should be the priority of the new mandate.”
