- Stable climate leadership secured: The vast majority of Europeans voted for parties committed to the green transition and the fight against climate change, ensuring a stable and forward-looking EU climate leadership.
- Continued green transition: The EU remains committed to its green transition, with the next European Parliament expected to build on recent progress, aiming for 70% renewable energy in the electricity mix by 2030.
- Next steps: The incoming President of the European Commission to be nominated by the European Council of 27/28 June will need to translate this election outcome into a climate policy agenda that delivers on promises of improved competitiveness, security, fairness and EU’s global leadership.
Story
The vast majority of Europeans voted for parties that understand the importance of climate action for European industry competitiveness, security, strategic autonomy, and Europe’s global credibility during last weekend’s European Parliament elections.
Over the past years governments across the continent responded to the dual shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s war against Ukraine. These crises have galvanised action on sustainable energy policies, pushing Europe towards a greener future.
The next European Parliament is expected to maintain a majority of pro-EU, pro-green transition politicians, ensuring continued momentum on climate action. There is broad agreement among political groups to build on recent lessons and drive forward sustainable initiatives. While specific policies within the European Green Deal (EGD) have faced difficulties, there has been no significant backlash against the overall agenda.
The EU’s energy landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. Once reliant on coal and appearing to shift towards gas, the EU is now clearly moving towards a future powered by wind, solar, and storage technologies. By 2030, it is projected that 70% of Europe’s power will come from renewable energy sources, marking a significant milestone in the region’s energy transition.
Quotes
Manon Dufour, Executive Director, E3G Brussels said:
“Europeans elected a vast majority of pro-EU, pro-green transition politicians who understand the importance of climate action for European competitiveness, security and strategic autonomy. Despite the shock of these elections in Paris and Berlin, Europe will be in a position to keep calm, learn from recent lessons, and carry on with its green transition.”
Marc Weissgerber, Executive Director, E3G Berlin said:
“The new Parliament and the new Commission must promote the expansion of renewable energies and invest more, not less, in clean technologies and in the transformation to a carbon neutral future. Playing off competitiveness against the climate is a false alternative. In the global clean tech race to the top, driven by the US, China and others, the EU will only be competitive if it pushes ahead clean investments and innovations.”
Clarence Edwards, Executive Director, E3G Washington DC said:
“The EU is a critical partner to the U.S. in the global efforts to combat climate change, and it is vital for EU leaders, as they navigate a dynamic political landscape, to remain committed to the Union’s climate agenda. We consider a strong transatlantic relationship as central to advancing a resilient and climate-friendly global economy.”
Vincent Hurkens, E3G Programme Lead for Climate Governance and EU Politics said:
“European parties in the political centre carry a heavy responsibility to build a coalition without political forces that weaken Europe’s capacity to act for stable and ambitious climate policies. The dramatic impacts and risks of climate change affect our food, water and energy security, financial stability, health and social cohesion. Electoral promises of security, competitiveness and Europe as a strategic and credible global player can only be achieved through predictable and sustained climate action with a strong dimension.”
Jurei Yada, E3G Programme Lead for EU Sustainable Finance said:
“The majority of Europeans chose parties that recognise that there is no prosperity or security if we do not invest in Europe’s transition. This will be a good signal for businesses and investors to keep moving towards sustainability. Broadly, the challenge ahead for the EU is to deliver and finance stable climate action while also demonstrating its social benefits and fairness. We will have to see what alliances emerge in the new Parliament, but thanks to its strong results the EPP has options – including closer cooperation with the left, which could provide stability for this agenda.”
Available for comment
Manon Dufour (EN, FR), E3G Executive Director, Brussels
m: +32 (0) 477 767 801 | manon.dufour@e3g.org
Marc Weissgerber (EN, DE), E3G Executive Director, Berlin
m: +49 (0) 175 1974 404 | marc.weissgerber@e3g.org
Clarence Edwards (EN), E3G Executive Director, Washington DC
clarence.edwards@e3g.org
Jurei Yada (EN, PL, JP, FR), E3G Programme Lead, EU Sustainable Finance
m: +32 (0) 492 113 868 | jurei.yada@e3g.org
Luke O’Callaghan-White (EN), E3G Programme Lead, EU Energy Transition
luke.ocallaghanwhite@e3g.org
Pieter de Pous (EN, NL, DE), E3G Programme Lead, Nature, Agriculture
m: +49 160 6573414 | pieter.depous@e3g.org
Vincent Hurkens (EN, NL, DE), E3G Programme Lead, EU Politics & Climate Governance
m: +32 (0) 494 584 829 | vincent.hurkens@e3g.org
Domien Vangenechten (EN, NL), E3G Senior Policy Advisor, EU Industrial Policy, Industry Decarbonisation and CCS
m: + 32 (0) 474 871 827 | domien.vangenechten@e3g.org
Ignacio Arróniz Velasco (EN, ES, FR) , E3G Senior Policy Advisor, EU Climate Diplomacy and Geopolitics
m: +34 (0) 689 768 246 | ignacio.arroniz@e3g.org
Namita Kambli (EN, FR, DE) , E3G Research Manager, Just Transition
m: +32 (0)498 627 751 | namita.kambli@e3g.org
Notes to Editors
- E3G is an independent climate change think tank with a global outlook. We work on the frontier of the climate landscape, tackling the barriers and advancing the solutions to a safe climate. Our goal is to translate climate politics, economics and policies into action. About – E3G
- For further enquiries email press@e3g.org or phone +32 (0) 497 49 69 68
