As a new European Commission takes the reins in Brussels, a former EU environment chief is warning the bloc against backsliding on its climate and nature protection goals. In an exclusive interview, Virginijus Sinkevičius, the EU’s youngest ever commissioner, expressed concern about the union’s resolve to see through ambitious green policies in the face of economic headwinds and political pressure.
Deforestation Law Delay Criticized
Sinkevičius, now a vice-president of the European Parliament’s Green group, took particular issue with the EU’s recent decision to postpone the implementation of its landmark deforestation law by a year. The regulation, which Sinkevičius helped draft during his tenure, aims to block the sale of commodities like cocoa, coffee, and palm oil if they are linked to the destruction of forests.
Every EU law “is born through a very difficult negotiation where everyone needs to give ground a bit”, he told the Guardian. “A last-minute change does not give credibility to the EU’s decision-making.”
– Virginijus Sinkevičius, Former EU Environment Commissioner
He argued the delay rewards companies that “did not try hard enough” to rid their supply chains of deforestation, putting those making sincere efforts at a competitive disadvantage. While 2023 saw the loss of 6.37 million hectares of forest worldwide, Sinkevičius believes the problems could have been handled without reopening the legislation.
Guarding Against Green Agenda Rollback
The former commissioner’s comments come amidst growing calls from some corners to scale back or delay key parts of the EU’s sweeping environmental agenda. MEPs have floated proposals to cancel the 2035 ban on new petrol car sales and suspend carbon trading requirements on heavy industry.
But Sinkevičius cautioned that retreating now would be a grave error, insisting “it would be the biggest possible mistake to now shift to reverse gear”. He pointed to the upcoming “clean industrial deal” promised by the new Commission as an early indicator of its green economy vision.
Speaking in general about green policies, Sinkevičius said “it would be the biggest possible mistake to now shift to reverse gear”, adding that the “clean industrial deal” promised by the new commission in its first 100 days would be “an important first test of how we see our economy of the future”.
– Virginijus Sinkevičius, Former EU Environment Commissioner
Protecting Nature an “Uphill Battle”
While clean energy tends to attract more investment interest, Sinkevičius admitted that safeguarding nature was always an “uphill battle” during his time in office. Businesses see fewer opportunities, he explained, in conserving soil, forests, and oceans compared to the renewable sector.
One example was the shelving of the EU’s target to halve pesticide usage by 2030 following farmer protests, though Sinkevičius argued the goal was “overkill” and disadvantaged member states that had already made significant reductions.
Building Pro-European Coalitions
Looking ahead, Sinkevičius hopes to be a bridge-builder in Parliament between the Greens and other mainstream pro-EU groups. While acknowledging the risk of the Greens becoming isolated if the center-right reaches out to more conservative allies, he stressed their reliability in any truly pro-European coalition.
As the EU navigates a crucial period for its climate policies, warnings from seasoned figures like Sinkevičius will undoubtedly shape the debate. The test will be whether the new Commission can hold the line on the green transition while grappling with economic turbulence and political crosscurrents.
