Our position

WWF sees an opportunity for the next seven year EU budget, 2014- 2020, to accelerate the transition to a sustainable European economy. If we don’t use this opportunity now and make deep structural changes we will probably make decisions that will lock us into unsustainable and carbon intensive economic system for the next 50 years.

By making the smart decisions we can yield long-term benefits that surpass the limited return traditional investments provide. We can also help countries outside Europe address the environmental challenges of the day.

The main points that we are fighting for on the EU Budget include:

Support and strengthen climate change commitments in the EU Budget to ensure the achievement of EU climate and energy targets by 2020. Energy savings are a key part in meeting the EU target of 20% improvement of energy efficiency by 2020 and setting the course for the 2050 greenhouse gas reduction goal of 80-95% in Europe;
Biodiversity and ecosystems management and restoration need to be considered at every level of EU expenditure ensuring the EU meets its commitment to halt biodiversity loss by 2020;
Support and strengthen sustainable development and provide mechanisms that guarantee high quality spending that represents true value for money: climate and biodiversity proofing. Subsidies in the EU budget that damage the environment should be halted;
Make sure that the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) only supports sustainable agriculture and that good farming practices are rewarded for the delivery of environmental public goods. The rural development pillar should receive half of the total CAP amount.
Ensure that the Cohesion Policy, supporting European regions, sets mandatory priorities for investing in climate mitigation (energy savings in buildings, renewable energies) and environment (ecosystems’ management and restoration).
Increase the tiny and successful LIFE programme, the EU’s only fund solely dedicated to the environment, to a modest 1% of the next EU budget (going from €3.2 to €10 billion for the 7 year period). This will provide financial support to innovative environmental and climate projects. Half of this should go on to support biodiversity and especially the Natura 2000 network;
The EU should become more transparent and opportunities for public participation enhanced when it comes to its budget.

Biodiversity and ecosystems management and restoration need to be considered at every level of EU expenditure ensuring the EU meets its commitment to halt biodiversity loss by 2020.

CONTACT

Philippe Carr

Communication manager

WWF European Policy Office

+32 2 740 09 25

Email Philippe
Sebastien Godinot

Economist

WWF European Policy Office

+32 2 740 09 20

Email Sebastien