European Green Deal: In conversation with Maria da Graça Carvalho MEP

For the latest in our series of digital events examining the EU’s policy priorities, Global Counsel was delighted to host Maria da Graça Carvalho MEP, a leading member of the European Parliament’s committee on Industry, Research and Energy.

Our discussion focused on the European Green Deal. The green agenda has received further impetus under the Recovery Fund package and has been a key priority for Commission President Ursula von der Leyen since she came into the role a year ago and the successive Council presidencies, including current holders Germany. Ambitious emissions reduction targets for 2030 and for 2050 have been central to the platforms of many of the MEPs elected in 2019. However, the last European Council’s failure to agree on targets for 2030 was a stark reminder that national interests continue to diverge on climate and more aggressive action can become the victim of wider tensions between member states.

The conversation focused on:

• Political priorities of the EU institutions for energy and climate change, including the EU Climate Law, and the implications for European industry
• The prospects for agreement on contentious issues such as 2030 emissions reduction targets
• How political momentum for action in this area has been affected by the covid-19 crisis and the prospect of a larger EU budget
• The EU’s role in international action on climate change ahead of COP26