Recent events in Central Europe have dominated the news cycle, as catastrophic floods have left at least 21 people dead across four countries. Storm Boris brought unprecedented levels of rainfall to the region, forcing hundreds of thousands to evacuate and causing widespread devastation. The European Commission is now considering how to support affected areas in repair and reconstruction efforts, as extreme weather events become more common.
In Brussels, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented her new team of commissioners, with a focus on environmental resilience and transforming Europe’s economy into a competitive industrial power. Among the key appointments is Spain’s Teresa Ribera, who will lead efforts on a “Clean, Just and Competitive Transition”. The new Commission is poised to tackle economic and industrial challenges while addressing the pressing issue of climate change.
Suzana Carp, Deputy Executive Director of Cleantech for Europe, highlighted the importance of the EU Green Deal in shaping Europe’s economic future. She emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy to ensure long-lasting competitiveness for Europe on the global stage, with the Green Deal mainstreamed into the new economic vision of the Commission.
Despite concerns about the shift in the European Parliament to the right, Carp remains confident that the Green Deal will not be undermined. She noted that the mission letters from von der Leyen to her commissioners uphold and even strengthen the objectives of the Green Deal. Additionally, Carp highlighted the Draghi Report as offering a sobering analysis of Europe’s global competitiveness and emphasized the need for member states, the Council, and the Parliament to endorse the bold vision presented by the European Commission.
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