Posted on September, 17 2024

An underlying principle of von der Leyen’s new Commission is ‘cooperation’ between Commissioners, which reflects the interconnected challenges Europe is facing - among which the climate and biodiversity crises. However, the practical functioning of this set-up will depend on strong governance and leadership of the President to ensure that critical files do not fall victim to political squabbling.

“Von der Leyen clearly recognised the climate emergency as a critical challenge, but actual progress will largely depend on the concrete mandates for each member and their willingness to cooperate in the way she has foreseen. In particular, we need further clarification on the role of nature restoration and protection - especially in climate adaptation, water resilience, and a stronger focus on implementing critical nature legislation such as the EU Deforestation and the Nature Restoration Laws,” said Ester Asin, Director of the WWF European Policy Office. 

By integrating energy and housing into one portfolio, and emphasising on the need for a both just and green transition, von der Leyen seeks to reconcile the false dichotomy of social and climate measures. She also highlighted the need to bring the outcomes of the Strategic Dialogue on agriculture to life, which would imply a strong implementation and enforcement of the EU nature laws and dedicated funds for restoring nature and supporting agri-environmental measures.

“Strong cooperation will be required across the board, and in particular between the First Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition Teresa Ribera and the Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy Stéphane Séjourné. This would ensure that the drive for industrialisation goes hand in hand with climate and nature action, in order to future-proof our economy and industries,” said Tycho Vandermaesen, Policy & Strategy Director, WWF European Policy Office.