Over one million people and 100 environmental NGOs across Europe are calling on the European Union to restart its economy by launching the biggest green investment plan the world has ever seen, financed by the bloc’s increased budget and recovery instrument. Tomorrow [Friday], MEPs will decide what they want in the EU’s Recovery Fund and seven-year budget ahead of the European Commission’s much awaited proposal next week.
To date over 1.2 million people from across the world have joined campaigns at avaaz, WeMove Europe, and SumOfUs, supporting the call for a bold, green recovery in Europe.
Alongside, the Green 10 coalition of environmental organisations have organised an appeal urging lawmakers to design a green, healthy and just recovery with a fund investing hundreds of billions into home renovations, scaling up renewable energy, restoring natural habitats, boosting public transport and zero-emission mobility, and greening agriculture.
The environmental groups have stressed that all recovery plans must put people’s wellbeing at the heart of the crisis response, deliver social benefits and protect workers’ rights through a ‘just transition for all’. The NGOs and petitioners warn against EU and national governments bailing out polluting industries involved in sectors such as gas, oil and coal, chemicals, cars and airlines. Any stimulus investments must be conditional on companies’ alignment with social, environmental and climate objectives. The EU must improve the environmental safeguards of the next budget, dedicating at least 50% to climate and the environment and excluding all fossil fuel subsidies.
Wendel Trio, director of Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe, said: “The COVID-19 crisis teaches us that prevention is better than cure. Acting to prevent dangerous climate change is the best way to get Europe and the world out of this economic crisis in a way that protects citizens and economies from future disruptions. And an ambitious climate policy is a guarantee that the stimulus package will have the most value for its money. For the next EU budget that means no support to fossil fuels and spending plans that serve the transition to climate neutrality.”
Ester Asin, director of the WWF European Policy Office, said: “We’ve heard a lot of lip service paid to a ‘green recovery’ lately, but now it’s time for decision-makers to put their money where their mouth is. The current crisis is a stark reminder of how closely human and planetary health are interlinked – only together can people and nature thrive. A green recovery means restoring nature, protecting our environment, and accelerating the transition to a carbon-neutral and resilient economy. MEPs must lead the way.”
William Todts, executive director at Transport & Environment, said: “This is Europe’s moment of truth. On behalf of 100 NGOs and over a million citizens we are asking the Commission to propose the biggest green stimulus plan the world has ever seen. It’s the only way to keep Europe together and to emerge stronger and greener from this unprecedented crisis.”
ENDS
Note to editors:
Green 10 letter to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen: Ensuring that the MFF 2021-27 and EU ‘recovery fund’ are consistent with the European Green Deal.
Contact:
Nicolas Derobert, Head of communications of CAN Europe, nicolas@caneurope.org +32 0483 62 18 88
Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe is Europe’s leading NGO coalition fighting dangerous climate change. With over 170 member organisations active in 38 European countries, representing over 1.500 NGOs and more than 47million citizens, CAN Europe promotes sustainable climate, energy and development policies throughout Europe.
