Brussels, my darling? The green zombie of the EU

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This week, with all eyes on an EU summit to fill top positions in Brussels, Méabh Mc Mahon spoke to Belgian climate activist Adelaide Charlier, corporate lobbyist Connor Allen and EU policy expert Julian Parodi from EPICO.

Panelists discussed the message European voters sent when they went to the polls last May and what impact this could have on EU climate legislation.

Complaints that EU environmental law was becoming a costly burden may have had an impact, with fewer voters opting for the Green parties.

Connor Allen said the EU’s most important climate initiative was now a “zombie”, neither alive nor dead. “The Green Deal will survive, but in what form will it survive?” he asked.

Julian Parodi examined the links between climate change and other policy concerns such as security and the economy. “The most important aspect at the moment is the extent to which climate issues are linked to competitiveness,” he said.

Adelaide Charlier called for the Green Deal to be defended. In her opinion, it is the first time that the EU has shown a long-term vision.

“We are not leaders in any other area. We need to ensure that we deliver on the Green Deal to remain visionary,” she added.

Watch “Brussels, My Darling” in the player above.