Environmental NGOs and a million European citizens are calling on the EU to reboot the bloc’s economy with the largest green investment plan in history ahead of tomorrow’s decision on the EU Recovery Fund and seven-year budget.
The groups are urging the EU to ensure the budget, from 2021 to 27, and Recovery Fund are consistent with the European Green Deal.
The NGOs and petitioners have warned against EU and national governments “bailing out” polluting industries involved in sectors such as gas, oil and coal, chemicals, cars and airlines.
The groups said any stimulus investments must be “conditional” on companies’ alignment with social, environmental and climate objectives and the EU must improve the environmental safeguards of the next budget, dedicating at least 50% to climate and the environment, and excluding all fossil fuel subsidies.
WWF European policy office director Ester Asin said: “We’ve heard a lot of lip service paid to a ‘green recovery’ lately, but now it’s time for decision-makers to put their money where their mouth is.
“The current crisis is a stark reminder of how closely human and planetary health are interlinked – only together can people and nature thrive. A green recovery means restoring nature, protecting our environment, and accelerating the transition to a carbon-neutral and resilient economy. MEPs must lead the way.”
The environmental groups have stressed that all recovery plans must “put people’s wellbeing at the heart of the crisis response, deliver social benefits and protect workers’ rights through a ‘just transition for all'”.
To date over 1.2 million people from across the world have joined campaigns at Avaaz, WeMove Europe, and SumOfUs, supporting the call for a bold, green recovery in Europe.
WWF-CEE has also called on the governments of Hungary, Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria to support the initiative.
“Central and Eastern Europe has most to lose from a business as usual approach in terms of natural capital; and most to gain from a green recovery programme that provides stability and green jobs,” said WWF Central and Eastern Europe chief executive Andreas Beckmann.
In addition the Green 10 coalition of environmental organisations have organised an appeal urging lawmakers to design a green, healthy and just recovery with a fund investing hundreds of billions into home renovations, scaling up renewable energy, restoring natural habitats, boosting public transport and zero-emission mobility, and greening agriculture.
Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe director Wendel Trio said: “The COVID-19 crisis teaches us that prevention is better than cure. Acting to prevent dangerous climate change is the best way to get Europe and the world out of this economic crisis in a way that protects citizens and economies from future disruptions.
“And an ambitious climate policy is a guarantee that the stimulus package will have the most value for its money. For the next EU budget that means no support to fossil fuels and spending plans that serve the transition to climate neutrality.”