New Policy Report on the Green Deal: achieving sustainability and equity in a post-COVID-19 era

The Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS), together with the Institute for European Environmental Policy […]

27/04/2020

The Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS), together with the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP) as knowledge partner, have launched a new Policy Report: A Green Deal for All: How to achieve sustainability and equity between the people, regions, countries and generations of Europe in a post-COVID-19 era.’

Since the covid-crisis outbreak, many have wondered whether the pandemic is a threat or an opportunity to the European Green Deal and EU climate ambitions. This report argues that the global health crisis shall be seen as a strong opportunity to reinforce the reach of the European Green Deal.


“In the follow-up of the recent European Council and of the mandate given to the European Commission, the European Green Deal must also be central to the design of the European Recovery Fund as well as the revised MFF”, according to FEPS President Maria Joao Rodrigues.

The European Green Deal is a key priority of this EU legislation and in essence it was designed to be the backbone of a European growth strategy. In this new context of economic recession, the European Green Deal can help create new, quality jobs in sustainable sectors in a context of rising unemployment. However, for social benefits to materialise, the Green Deal must be designed and implemented by putting fairness and equity at its very core. This is the main added value of this report.

“If we consider the European Green Deal as a necessary part of the EU recovery plan, it is then normal to expect that the revised MFF proposal will take this into consideration and not only shield climate-related spending yet rather allow for higher resources to be mobilised for the necessary transformation and adaptation of the European economy.”

The report warns against an unsustainable recovery pathway which would waste precious public funds on shoring up the fossil fuel economy and lock Europe’s youth and future generations into destructive high-carbon and unsustainable pathways.

According to Céline Charveriat, Executive Director of the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP): “It is time to put equity and sustainability at the heart of Europe’s recovery. This means putting those furthest behind first, including Europe’s poorest citizens, regions and countries. Taxing pollution rather than people would support employment at a critical time, finance a green Marshall Plan for Europe’s most affected countries and reduce the ecological debt that Europe’s youth and future generations will have to bear.”

Find all related publications
Publications
23/02/2023

From the Green Deal to REPower EU

What about the EU’s Southern fossil gas suppliers?
10/02/2023

Climate justice principles

'Climate mainstreaming: Breaking down the silos' series
10/02/2023

Climate and health policy

'Climate mainstreaming: Breaking down the silos’ series
10/02/2023

Climate and gender policy

'Climate mainstreaming: breaking down the silos' series
Find all related events
Events
Upcoming
19/04/2023
Online

Climate justice principles

'Climate mainstreaming: Breaking down the silos' series
Past
26/01/2023
FEPS HQ, Brussels

Progressive Yearbook launch 2023

Looking back to look ahead
07/02/2023
FEPS HQ, Brussels (Expert meeting)

The path towards a socially just Fit for 55 Package

FEPS Policy Study launch
Find all related news
News
07/02/2023

New study on how and why social issues have increased in prominence during the EP negotiations

Progress towards inclusive economic transition but need for further improvements in terminology and framing of vulnerable groups
13/01/2023

New manifesto giving international impetus to Lula da Silva’s environmental policy

FEPS President, among the 50 scientists and former politicians from Brazil and Portugal who signed the manifesto
15/11/2022

FEPS delegation at COP27

FEPS delegation was present at COP27, with the strategic objectives of mobilizing climate finance for […]
28/09/2021

FEPS joins the European Alliance for a Just Transition

We are delighted to announce that FEPS joins the European Alliance for a Just Transition […]
Find all related in the media
In the media

Personalidades de Portugal e Brasil defendem parceria estratégica para o clima entre UE e Brasil

by Visão 12/01/2023
'Personalities from Portugal and Brazil defend EU-Brazil strategic partnership on climate' Visão's article about the manifesto signed by 50 personalities from Portugal and Brazil, including FEPS President Maria João Rodrigues, in support of Lula’s environmental policy

UE e Mercosul: manifesto quer tornar o “clima estável” um bem da humanidade com força legal

by Público 12/01/2023
Público's article about the manifesto signed by 50 personalities from Portugal and Brazil, including FEPS President Maria João Rodrigues, in support of Lula’s environmental policy

Luso-Brazilian manifesto wants to give international impetus to Lula’s environmental policy

by News Bulletin 09/01/2023
Manifesto signed by 50 personalities from Portugal and Brazil, including FEPS President Maria João Rodrigues, in support of Lula’s environmental policy

La doble transición verde y digital como arma contra los depredadores de la energía

by Crónica Global 18/11/2022
Article by Pau Solanilla, Director of Fundació Rafael Campalans, ahead of the FEPS-Campalans event 'Figuring out the Twin Transition'