Ursula von der Leyen’s second term as European Commission president has begun, and her choices for climate and energy commissioners have drawn mixed reactions. While the re-appointment of Dutchman Wopke Hoekstra as EU climate commissioner and the appointment of Danish social democrat Dan Jørgensen as energy commissioner have calmed fears of a departure from the Green Deal, a flagship policy of her first term, some remain skeptical about the overall commitment to climate action.
The re-appointment of Hoekstra, coupled with the appointment of Jørgensen, has been interpreted by many as a sign of continuity with the Green Deal, a policy that aims to make Europe climate neutral by 2050. The appointment of Spain’s Teresa Ribera as executive vice-president in charge of a “clean, just and competitive transition” further reinforces the Green Deal’s importance in the Commission’s plans. Linda Kalcher, executive director of the climate think tank Strategic Perspectives, sees this trio as a “dream team” capable of carrying the Green Deal forward into the Clean Industrial Deal promised for the second mandate.
However, some concerns remain. The inclusion of taxation in Hoekstra’s portfolio has sparked hope that future taxation initiatives will reflect the polluter pays principle, but also concerns about the potential impact on competitiveness. Similarly, Jørgensen’s dual role as EU housing commissioner raises questions about the potential for ‘greenwashing,’ or using environmentally friendly language without meaningful action. While the focus on building renovation and solar energy in social housing is seen as positive, there are concerns about the potential for these initiatives to be overshadowed by the need to ensure competitiveness.
The next few months will be crucial in gauging the new Commission’s commitment to climate action. The acid test will come early next year when Hoekstra must propose a 2040 emissions reduction target. While he has publicly backed a drastic cut of 90% below 1990 levels, the ultimate success of the Green Deal will depend on the Commission’s ability to balance environmental goals with economic realities. The Commission’s focus on competitiveness, alongside its commitment to climate action, will be closely watched by climate activists and the clean energy lobby, and will ultimately determine the future of the Green Deal.
