🫠 THEY DID THAT

Content warning: Trump. The obvious news will not have escaped anyone’s attention this week. With Donald Trump’s re-election, the EU must recognise the urgency of stepping up and scaling up as the global leader in climate and environmental policy. The Trump administration’s poor track record in this area—from rolling back hundreds of environmental protections to pushing fossil fuel expansion, abandoning the Paris Agreement, and propping up coal—makes it clear that the U.S. will not be taking any leadership role on climate and environment but rather will likely remain paralysed by denial and deregulation.  

This approach only accelerates the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Under Trump, the 1.5-degree target is likely to become unreachable, driving the world closer to irreversible damage. Now, the EU has not only the opportunity but also a responsibility to double down on ambitious, science-based climate action, ensuring that we don’t sacrifice our planet’s future for short-term interests.  

It is in the EU’s interest to become the global frontrunner in climate mitigation, adaptation, depollution, and investment in nature restoration. We can lead a race to the top—yielding quality jobs, energy savings, lower bills, health benefits, and resilient ecosystems. The EU, now more than ever, needs to be a beacon of progress and hope.    

Thus, closer to home, with Ursula von der Leyen having her College of Commissioners grilled and voted through (or not…watch this space) by the EU Parliament these days, the winds in Europe have suddenly changed. We need climate resolve, ambition, and grit, and they will need to deliver.

WORDS OF WISDOM—In response to the question ‘How to save the world?’ there is no single answer. There are thousands. And you can choose to be one of them. 

🔥THE TOUGHEST INTERVIEW IN BRUSSELS 

This week, several of VDL’s Commissioner picks sat through intense hearings in the EU Parliament. The EEB followed these three-hour grilling sessions and paid close attention to the answers provided to MEPs’ questions. It was interesting to hear what was said—and what was left out. Here’s a snapshot of our assessment of how they’ve done so far! 

🌱 Hansen – Agriculture & Food (EPP) 

CROWD-PLEASER—This Monday, Christoph Hansen received an all-round positive reception from MEPs during his hearing in the EU Parliament. We welcome his reiteration of the need to implement the conclusions of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture, though it cannot be stressed enough that this consensus will only work if it is implemented in full, so cherry-picking from its conclusions will simply not work. On top of this, despite having “Food” in his job title, he failed to acknowledge the need for policies that can ensure our food systems are sustainable environmentally, economically and socially. 

💧 Roswall – Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy (EPP) 

A QUESTIONABLE PICK—Jessika Roswall’s performance was disappointing. Relying heavily on notes, she made very few firm commitments to protect existing environmental standards, support coexistence with large carnivores, or secure a dedicated nature fund in the next EU budget. Vague priorities on EU legislation and global biodiversity targets cast doubt on her commitment to the EU Green Deal and her ability to maintain the EU’s position as a global environmental leader … which we now need more than ever.

GLIMMERS OF HOPE—Still, it is encouraging to see some commitment to the EU Green Deal, such as finalising the Soil Monitoring Law, updating water pollutant standards, and advancing the Water Resilience Strategy. While these efforts are promising, the simplification agenda must not become an excuse to weaken crucial protections. 

🐾 Várhelyi – Health & Animal Welfare  

PERSONA NON GRATA? As someone who has in the past referred to MEPs as “idiots”, Olivér Várhelyi received a somewhat hostile reception at his hearing on Wednesday. He stuck with VDL’s red thread on competitiveness and “simplification” (a vague and undefined buzzword we warn means “deregulation”), promising to boost pharmaceutical innovation and medical resilience in Europe. 

WE’LL REMEMBER THESE PROMISES—On the issue of animal welfare, we welcomed Várhelyi’s repeated commitment to delivering on the EU Commission’s promise to legislate to End the Cage Age and the need to implement and enforce existing legislation. However, he gave very little detail and made no reference to the Commission’s previous commitment to revising outdated and much-needed EU legislation on animal welfare, nor did he acknowledge the need to address intensive factory farming of animals and the risks this cruel practice poses, not only to our environment but also to human health.  

⚡ Jørgensen – Energy & Housing (S&D) 

STAND UP FOR RENEWABLES—The part-Commissioner hearing, part stand-up set of Dan Jørgensen was rather smooth sailing for the Dane. His commitment to expanding and streamlining renewable energy roll-out and supporting infrastructure were positive signs. It was also reassuring to hear that he opposes EU funding for new large nuclear plants, though he was open to investing in Small Modular Reactors (SMR). However, his openness to SMR and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) funding could divest from funding available for the scaled roll-out of renewables across Europe, which Europe has the capacity for and that we need now more than ever.  

🌍 Hoekstra – Climate, Net-Zero and Clean Growth (EPP) 

YES, BUT… Wopke Hoekstra was in the hot seat yesterday. We applaud his talk of ditching fossil fuel subsidies and taxing polluters, but his reluctance to set energy efficiency goals post-2030 is a cause for concern. As a self-declared fan of carbon markets, Hoekstra told the EU Parliament that market forces, not regulations, should steer EU climate action. The Dutchman should heed proven climate science, not just the theories of Adam Smith. Putting all our eggs in the “invisible hand” basket feels more like a gamble than a serious roadmap. 

THE “SUSTAINABLE GROWTH” MYTH—Hoekstra’s push for growth across all sectors is out of sync with the reality of planetary boundaries, even for someone with “clean growth” in his job title. Science points to the need for degrowth in sectors like livestock and aviation in Europe. And what about agriculture? Hoekstra claims he wants to protect rural livelihoods, but he sidestepped discussing how farmers could actively contribute to climate solutions. In a world where the market doesn’t have all the answers, let’s hope Hoekstra is ready to add a few new tools to his climate toolbox. 

🎨 Micallef – Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport (S&D) 

JURY’S OUT—On Monday, we tuned into Glenn Micallef’s hearing, particularly to hear what he had to say about intergenerational fairness—one element of his portfolio and a key area of interest for us. While he highlighted the climate crisis, his responses lacked urgency on prioritising climate justice, public participation, and the right to a healthy environment. We hope this limited focus isn’t a sign of future “citizenwashing.” 

⚖️ McGrath – Democracy, Justice and Rule of Law (Renew) 

WELL PLAYED—The EEB’s Law and Justice team approached Michael McGrath’s hearing with a cautious eye, given his finance-heavy background. However, we were encouraged by his firm stance against delaying the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), asserting he “will not hesitate to act” if implementation lags. His pledges to tackle environmental crime, support youth and citizen engagement, and address SLAPPs bring hope, though his “justice for growth” stance warrants careful scrutiny to ensure justice remains the top priority. 

🎭 THE SHOW WILL GO ON 

Next week, expect more commentary from us on the next batch of Commissioner hearings, which will include VDL’s picks for the senior roles of Vice Presidents and more.  

Keep your eyes peeled for more insights and digests on how this next Commission mandate is shaping up and what we can expect to see from those soon to be at the helm of the EU. 

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By: Ben Snelson. Special thanks to the EEB’s editorial team: Alberto Vela, Annick Hus, Ruby Silk and Roi Gomez. Editor: Christian Skrivervik