During his visit to Italy, European Green top candidate Bas Eickhout has issued a stark warning that votes for right-wing and far-right parties will spell the end of the Green Deal and the crucial climate policies that are needed to counter extreme weather conditions such as droughts and floods in Europe.
Padua, Italy – May 28, 2024 During his visit to Padua, Italy, Bas Eickhout highlighted the severe impact of storms and heavy rainfall in many parts of northern Italy with the regions of Veneto and Lombardy being particularly affected by floods. The heavy rains caused severe damage and suffering to citizens, local farmers and the economy. Extreme weather caused by climate change is becoming more and more frequent.
Bas Eickhout, European Green lead candidate said: “The Green Deal is needed more than ever, for example to prevent extreme weather events from becoming more frequent. A Green Deal should be social, and include a major investment plan to fund green infrastructure, renewable energy, and public services. This way, we will create jobs, reduce energy costs, and improve living standards across Europe. The green transition is not abstract, it improves the lives of people. It means new rail lines, new factories, new opportunities, better health. And Greens have attention for small and medium-size sustainable agricultural practices, which are partners in protecting the environment against extreme weather.”
Green top candidate Bas Eickhout pointed out that a potential alliance of right-wing and far-right parties on the European level threatens the future of the Green Deal. “We have already seen how the conservative and far-right parties in the European Parliament started dismantling key elements of the Green Deal, such as the Nature Restoration Law.”
Eickhout emphasised that the Greens are fully committed to defending the Green Deal and the interests of farmers and citizens against climate impacts: “Farmers are suffering because of the current unsustainable model. The Green Deal is the solution, not the problem. We need a Green and Social Deal that prioritises people and the planet over profits.”
