Roswall: “We do not intend to revise or withdraw the Green Deal”

Brussels – “The Commission does not intend to revise the European Green Deal or to review or withdraw the legislation concerned, which was subject to public consultation,” said Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for the Environment and Circular Economy, who rejects any idea of a step backward on behalf of the entire college. Specifically, Roswall says ‘no’ to calls from the ranks of Sovereignists in the European Parliament, who criticize the role of environmental associations in supposedly setting the twelve-star sustainable policy agenda.

Indeed, at the political level, the Popular (EPP) family is ready for changes to the Green Deal, but targeted ones —not erasing it. With this in mind, it is essential to remember that public consultations are not prohibited practices. On the contrary, when the EU executive intends to establish new legislation or amend existing one, it can listen to so-called ‘stakeholders,’ the interested parties that would be affected by the bill. Stakeholders span several branches: business, civil society and associations, trade unions, and consumer organizations.

So yes, Roswall admits, “environmental organizations and other stakeholders had the opportunity to present their views and positions,” but this does not imply that such associations wrote the rules.

As for the accusations of funding environmental associations, Roswall reminds the entire League delegation that nothing is against the rules. On the contrary, “The EU Program for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE) provides, amongst others, financial support for the functioning of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), supporting civil society’s participation in policy-making, in line with the LIFE Regulation and the EU financial regulation.”