Far-right group takes lead in EU climate talks, raising doubts over 2040 emissions goal
The far-right Patriots for Europe bloc will lead the European Parliament’s negotiations on the EU’s proposed 2040 climate target, placing a group hostile to existing climate policies at the center of the talks.
Kate Abnett reports for Reuters.
In short:
- The Patriots for Europe group, which includes parties led by Marine Le Pen and Viktor Orban, has secured control over the EU Parliament’s negotiating position on the bloc’s proposed 90% emissions reduction target for 2040.
- The group opposes the emissions goal, claiming it places excessive burdens on European industry and risks driving economic decline.
- Other political groups are attempting to bypass their influence by fast-tracking negotiations, allowing Parliament to skip the initial draft stage usually led by the assigned group.
Key quote:
"We are opposed to [the 90% emissions target] because we feel that there are far too many constraints already bearing on industry at European level, and this would simply precipitate us into de-growth."
— Jordan Bardella, chair of the Patriots for Europe
Why this matters:
The European Union’s 2040 climate target is a key step in achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century, but the rise of far-right influence in the European Parliament could reshape its scope or stall progress entirely. Climate change has already made Europe the fastest-warming continent, with increasing heatwaves and weather disruptions. At the same time, political pushback is growing, as industries warn of high compliance costs and some governments fear voter backlash. The collision between environmental urgency and political resistance is widening, and decisions made in Brussels will ripple far beyond Europe, affecting global climate diplomacy, cross-border trade, and public health in a warming world.
Read more: Germany’s conservative strongholds push back against climate policies
