Belgium (Brussels, Morning Newspaper) The European Union has recently unveiled a new climate package, known as “Fit for 55,” aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. The package includes a range of measures designed to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy, including an updated Emissions Trading System (ETS), a carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), and a Social Climate Fund.
Emma Wiesner, a member of the Swedish Center Party and Renew Europe shadow rapporteur on the ETS, praised the new measures, stating, “A sharpened, expanded and updated climate tool – our most powerful tool to reduce emissions to this date – is now a reality. Renew Europe was at the forefront during the negotiations, constantly pushing forward for a more ambitious system, and providing the necessary solutions and compromises. The result is something we all should be very proud of.”
Nils Torvalds, a member of the Finnish Swedish People’s Party and Renew Europe shadow rapporteur and ENVI coordinator, also spoke highly of the CBAM, calling it “another historic step towards global decarbonization, while ensuring an equal playing field for clean industries, both inside and outside the EU.”
MEP Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, a member of the French Democratic Movement and Renew Europe shadow rapporteur on the Social Climate Fund, emphasized the importance of supporting the most vulnerable in society, stating, “Today our message to European citizens is clear: with the Social Climate Fund we will support the most modest, our craftsmen, our very small businesses. There can be no strong climate ambition without standing by the most vulnerable. We are moving forward on our two objectives: carbon neutrality and social justice. Europe will be there with concrete measures.”
The Fit for 55 packages has been met with mixed reactions, with some critics arguing that it could lead to increased costs for consumers and businesses. However, supporters argue that the package is necessary to meet the EU’s climate targets and to address the urgent need for global action on climate change.
