European leaders are discussing future European climate policy today. More than two weeks before the start of the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Europe has still not set a concrete climate target. MEP and Environmental Coordinator for the European Greens, Sara Matthieu, demands that leaders take responsibility and reduce emissions by 90% by 2040, without conditions or loopholes. “Anyone who weakens the climate targets now gives Trump and the fossil fuel lobby carte blanche to squander our future,” says Matthieu.
Right-wing weakens climate commitment
In the European Council today, the right-wing party is leading the way, with leaders such as German Chancellor Merz, Italian Prime Minister Meloni, and Belgian Prime Minister De Wever. “These are politicians who are more concerned with multinational profits than with floods that inundate our homes and heatwaves. They are trying to weaken the EU’s climate commitment. Climate denial was long the domain of the far right, but now the center-right is fully participating,” says Matthieu.
A clear path to climate neutrality
Following the government leaders’ agreement in principle, the environment ministers must quickly commit to a 90% reduction in emissions by 2040. “This must happen as soon as possible, otherwise Europe will be left empty-handed at the climate summit,” says Matthieu. “That threatens not only a diplomatic fiasco, but also a breach of trust with all Europeans who are already doing their utmost for the climate and with the business community that is investing in cleantech. That would jeopardize 10 years of progress.”
Groen
Belgium can play an important role, but unfortunately, Bart De Wever prefers to play the role of climate saboteur: “Prime Minister De Wever has suddenly discovered the importance of Europe—but not yet that of ambitious climate policy. After years of sabotaging climate action, he’s simply skipping his first climate summit as head of government. Limiting global warming and protecting our natural environment is vital for our health and our economy.”
Europe must show leadership
The climate summit in Belém is crucial to avert climate chaos. But the cards are stacked against him, according to Matthieu: “‘Drill baby drill’—Trump has once again withdrawn from the Paris Climate Agreement, and China is also watering down its promises. Ten years after Paris, the world is at a tipping point. All the solutions are there. But Trump and other fossil fuel powers are sabotaging the climate fight. Europe must show courage and take the lead.”
Matthieu emphasizes: “One person doesn’t want us to come together: Donald Trump. He knows we’re working towards the end of the oil industry. The US is the world’s largest oil producer, and the exorbitant profits from oil and gas fuel Trump’s policies. Europe must not yield to his blackmail.”
Green at Climate Summit
Sara Matthieu is a Member of the European Parliament for the Green Party and Environmental Coordinator in the European Parliament’s Environment Committee. She will travel to Belém on May 17 to help put pressure on world leaders and make Europe’s climate ambitions as ambitious as possible.
