European Commission Launch European Green Deal

The European Commission has today proposed a ‘European Green Deal’ which has been put forward as Europe’s new growth strategy.

The strategy aims to “transform the EU into a fair and prosperous society, with a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use.” It also aims to “protect, conserve and enhance the EU’s natural capital, and protect the health and well-being of citizens from environment-related risks and impacts.”

Within the deal, the Commission has pledged to present a Biodiversity Strategy by March 2020, propose a global target at the UN Biodiversity Conference, prepare a new EU Forest Strategy and reduce the use of pesticides and fertilisers in agriculture.

The Commission has also pledged to present the first European Climate Law by March 2020 to enshrine the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

In an article for The Guardian, Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President, said:

It is the green thread that will run through all our policies – from transport to taxation, food to farming, industry to infrastructure. We want to invest in clean energy and extend emissions trading, but we will also boost the circular economy and preserve biodiversity. The European Green Deal is not just a necessity: it will be a driver of new economic opportunities.

The Commission have published a communication on the Deal which provides an initial roadmap of the key policies and measures needed to achieve the European Green Deal.