Fellow innies! Roi G. reporting for duty—and no, I haven’t gone completely mad. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, it’s probably because you still haven’t watched Severance.
In this sci-fi series, employees at the multinational corporation Lumon Industries surrender their autonomy through a radical brain implant that splits their consciousness into two parts—one self-trapped in perpetual work mode, the other blissfully unaware of what happens behind corporate walls. The result is an exploration of identity, free will, and the dark extremes of corporate control.
Although we’re not quite there (yet), the plot of Severance, where omnipotent corporations dictate people’s lives, unfortunately, feels more relevant than ever. Recent developments in EU politics suggest that corporate lobbies are being left to roam free, while the EU seems to be shaping its policies around the interests of the largest and most polluting companies instead of its citizens—and the environment on which we depend. We’ll be talking about this, wolves and much more—so keep reading.
😲 THE EUROPEAN WAY
Gramsci once said, “the old world is dying, and the new world struggles to be born: now is the time of monsters.” Since Trump’s inauguration 47 days ago, the world has been holding its breath, gripped by a pervasive sense of uncertainty and volatility, as if the ground were shifting beneath our feet. We extend our unwavering solidarity with the people of Ukraine and our Ukrainian members and encourage everyone to share their support however they can. In this madness, one thing is clear: Washington D.C. is drifting further and further away, and now is the time for Europe to cast out the monsters from under the bed and take the reins.
IS THIS WHAT (E)U WANT? The Draghi report set the tone for the new EU mandate, initiating a political agenda centred on simplification and competitiveness—obscure terms that, though vague at first, are increasingly becoming code for deregulation and the dismantling of vital social and environmental safeguards.
This was made clear last week when the EU Commission unveiled its flagship policies for the mandate: a package designed to serve the interests of energy-intensive industries prioritising corporate profit maximisation over the well-being of people and planet.
DEAD END – There is nothing to be gained in Europe by following the deregulation trends taking place across the Atlantic, spearheaded by Musk and his minions. In a context of shrinking public budgets and austerity measures, offering no-strings-attached financial support to industries is deeply worrying. Public policy must serve the public interest. Weakening environmental and social protections while widening the gap between struggling public services and wealthy major polluters is in no one’s interest.
HAVE YOU EVEN ASKED? According to the latest Eurobarometer Youth Survey, published this month, young people aged 16-30 across the continent list the cost-of-living crisis and rising prices as their top priorities that they think the EU should focus on in the next five years — followed closely by … *drumroll* … environmental protection and solving climate change!
What no one called for (besides a handful of powerful corporations) is to gut the protections and safety rails that make the EU a planetary leader in social and environmental policy and rights.
THE EUROPEAN WAY – The Union is not only the second-largest economy in the world but also a global stronghold of democracy AND human and environmental rights. Amid a worldwide decline in democratic freedoms, Europe remains a beacon of hope — home to 9 of the world’s top 10 democracies.
In this context and through all the noise, one truth stands out: the future needs EU leadership on solving the climate, biodiversity, and pollution crises. The EU must keep pushing forward — because environmental action is the foundation of a resilient, secure, healthy and prosperous society. This is where the true power and potential of the EU lies.
🐺 WOLF UNDER ATTACK
SHAME ON YOU – This year’s World Wildlife Day left a bitter taste as the protection status of wolves was downgraded under international law. Once one of Europe’s greatest conservation success stories, wolves have become a political target, led by none other than EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen herself. In a move that is reckless, betraying scientific evidence and ignoring vast public support for conservation efforts… We will not stand by as misguided politics trample science and hard-won progress.
NO NO NO NO – In a spiralling climate, biodiversity, and pollution crises, the EU must protect the integrity of its flagship Habitats Directive, which has existed since 1992, and has preserved hundreds of European species and habitats. It has brought back iconic species such as the wolf and the Iberian lynx from the brink of extinction. Rollbacks on this great success story do not only endanger the wolf—they undermine Europe’s credibility as a global leader in environmental policy.
Some Member States are already emboldened by the erosion of habitat protection, even before any legal changes have been made. In Sweden, a controversial and illegal wolf cull began in January, followed by a lynx cull starting on 1 March—both carried out without scientific evidence or legal justification, setting a dangerous precedent for wildlife protection across Europe.
HANDS OFF! Tolerating this attack on nature would set a dangerous precedent, sacrificing the collective well-being of people and ecosystems for the short-sighted political interests of a few. The decision to downgrade the wolf’s protection status goes against the will of the majority—with 68% of Europeans in rural communities supporting strict protection, and 72% agreeing that wolves have a right to coexist alongside humans.
This public sentiment was echoed in the Commission’s own consultation, where 71% of respondents backed maintaining the existing protection status. We are following this process closely and calling on EU policymakers to please base their decisions on scientific evidence, what most Europeans actually want, and what’s in the planet’s best interest. What other interests are more important?
✊ NOTHING ABOUT US, WITHOUT US
STEELING THE FUTURE? Citizens, step aside. The front row seats are reserved for big business. That’s how we read the Commission’s new industrial agenda. This week, our worst fears were confirmed: the Commission launched its Strategic Dialogue on the future of steel, choosing to fill the room with corporate voices while leaving civil society—aka you and me—out of the conversation.
INDUSTRY IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS – The EU should not shape the transformation of its industries with industry alone, shutting out citizen representation. Steel is one of Europe’s dirtiest sectors, responsible for 5% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions and costing an estimated €7 billion a year in public health damage.
Major steel polluters like ArcelorMittal have repeatedly failed to deliver on their climate promises, holding the EU hostage for more subsidies while delivering little in return. Without civil society in the room, who will hold polluters to account? Who will ensure that public interests are protected?
A DANGEROUS PRECEDENT – This systematic exclusion of NGOs from industrial policymaking is a serious threat. Networks like the EEB and CAN Europe have engaged constructively in EU industrial forums for decades. We bring technical expertise, a science-based vision, and a strong mandate to speak on behalf of millions of citizens through our extensive membership(s) across Europe. Should we take this personal, like some might not want the public interest represented?
🗞️ IN OTHER NEWS
THIS WAY PLEASE – With energy security remaining a top political priority, it is also crucial to remember that renewable energy is not in competition with nature protection. Our latest report explores the opportunities that renewable energy can present to rural areas, from attracting new green industries to diversifying income sources for farmers.
SAY CHEESE – At the end of the month, the EEB, together with our partners at the European Institute for Animal Law & Policy, will launch a photography exhibition in the EU Parliament. From animal suffering to water pollution, and disease outbreak risks to rural community decline, ‘Factory Farming: Unveiling the Hidden Costs’ explores the many adverse effects of Europe’s unsustainable model of industrial-scale animal rearing (check this piece for a quick recap on why animal welfare matters).
It exposes the grim realities sustained by this model and reminds policymakers that the vast majority of Europeans are united in demanding change (#EndTheCageAge!!). Check out our position, and the brighter future within reach. Register today!
DIE DEUTSCHE ECKE – Our Deputy Secretary General, Patrizia Heidegger, was on the German edition of the Euronews talk show ‘Brussels, meine Liebe?’ to discuss the Commission’s deregulation initiatives, the looming trade conflict between Europe and the US, and the latest report on the state of corruption in the EU. Check it out!
📢 ORGANISE
If you are not involved, get involved. Find a member organisation near you.
🚀 FOLLOW US
Don’t stay delulu, deal with the pollulu 🍃✨ Stay connected with us on LinkedIn, Bluesky, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Don’t miss out!
✨ SIGN UP
Stay informed. Subscribe to our Meta Newsletter for the latestEU green insider updates every Friday. By subscribing, you also get early access to our in-depth analysis of key EU environmental policy.
🤝 JOIN US
Work with us. We’re always looking for passionate individuals to strengthen our team. Could it be you? Explore our current vacancies on our website, and come make a difference with us!
By: Roi Gomez. Special thanks to the EEB’s editorial team: Alberto Vela, Ben Snelson, Ruby Silk, Carlotta Di Pasquale. Editor: Christian Skrivervik
Fellow innies! Roi G. reporting for duty—and no, I haven’t gone completely mad. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, it’s probably because you still haven’t watched Severance.
In this sci-fi series, employees at the multinational corporation Lumon Industries surrender their autonomy through a radical brain implant that splits their consciousness into two parts—one self-trapped in perpetual work mode, the other blissfully unaware of what happens behind corporate walls. The result is an exploration of identity, free will, and the dark extremes of corporate control.
Although we’re not quite there (yet), the plot of Severance, where omnipotent corporations dictate people’s lives, unfortunately, feels more relevant than ever. Recent developments in EU politics suggest that corporate lobbies are being left to roam free, while the EU seems to be shaping its policies around the interests of the largest and most polluting companies instead of its citizens—and the environment on which we depend. We’ll be talking about this, wolves and much more—so keep reading.
😲 THE EUROPEAN WAY
Gramsci once said, “the old world is dying, and the new world struggles to be born: now is the time of monsters.” Since Trump’s inauguration 47 days ago, the world has been holding its breath, gripped by a pervasive sense of uncertainty and volatility, as if the ground were shifting beneath our feet. We extend our unwavering solidarity with the people of Ukraine and our Ukrainian members and encourage everyone to share their support however they can. In this madness, one thing is clear: Washington D.C. is drifting further and further away, and now is the time for Europe to cast out the monsters from under the bed and take the reins.
IS THIS WHAT (E)U WANT? The Draghi report set the tone for the new EU mandate, initiating a political agenda centred on simplification and competitiveness—obscure terms that, though vague at first, are increasingly becoming code for deregulation and the dismantling of vital social and environmental safeguards.
This was made clear last week when the EU Commission unveiled its flagship policies for the mandate: a package designed to serve the interests of energy-intensive industries prioritising corporate profit maximisation over the well-being of people and planet.
DEAD END – There is nothing to be gained in Europe by following the deregulation trends taking place across the Atlantic, spearheaded by Musk and his minions. In a context of shrinking public budgets and austerity measures, offering no-strings-attached financial support to industries is deeply worrying. Public policy must serve the public interest. Weakening environmental and social protections while widening the gap between struggling public services and wealthy major polluters is in no one’s interest.
HAVE YOU EVEN ASKED? According to the latest Eurobarometer Youth Survey, published this month, young people aged 16-30 across the continent list the cost-of-living crisis and rising prices as their top priorities that they think the EU should focus on in the next five years — followed closely by … *drumroll* … environmental protection and solving climate change!
What no one called for (besides a handful of powerful corporations) is to gut the protections and safety rails that make the EU a planetary leader in social and environmental policy and rights.
THE EUROPEAN WAY – The Union is not only the second-largest economy in the world but also a global stronghold of democracy AND human and environmental rights. Amid a worldwide decline in democratic freedoms, Europe remains a beacon of hope — home to 9 of the world’s top 10 democracies.
In this context and through all the noise, one truth stands out: the future needs EU leadership on solving the climate, biodiversity, and pollution crises. The EU must keep pushing forward — because environmental action is the foundation of a resilient, secure, healthy and prosperous society. This is where the true power and potential of the EU lies.
🐺 WOLF UNDER ATTACK
SHAME ON YOU – This year’s World Wildlife Day left a bitter taste as the protection status of wolves was downgraded under international law. Once one of Europe’s greatest conservation success stories, wolves have become a political target, led by none other than EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen herself. In a move that is reckless, betraying scientific evidence and ignoring vast public support for conservation efforts… We will not stand by as misguided politics trample science and hard-won progress.
NO NO NO NO – In a spiralling climate, biodiversity, and pollution crises, the EU must protect the integrity of its flagship Habitats Directive, which has existed since 1992, and has preserved hundreds of European species and habitats. It has brought back iconic species such as the wolf and the Iberian lynx from the brink of extinction. Rollbacks on this great success story do not only endanger the wolf—they undermine Europe’s credibility as a global leader in environmental policy.
Some Member States are already emboldened by the erosion of habitat protection, even before any legal changes have been made. In Sweden, a controversial and illegal wolf cull began in January, followed by a lynx cull starting on 1 March—both carried out without scientific evidence or legal justification, setting a dangerous precedent for wildlife protection across Europe.
HANDS OFF! Tolerating this attack on nature would set a dangerous precedent, sacrificing the collective well-being of people and ecosystems for the short-sighted political interests of a few. The decision to downgrade the wolf’s protection status goes against the will of the majority—with 68% of Europeans in rural communities supporting strict protection, and 72% agreeing that wolves have a right to coexist alongside humans.
This public sentiment was echoed in the Commission’s own consultation, where 71% of respondents backed maintaining the existing protection status. We are following this process closely and calling on EU policymakers to please base their decisions on scientific evidence, what most Europeans actually want, and what’s in the planet’s best interest. What other interests are more important?
✊ NOTHING ABOUT US, WITHOUT US
STEELING THE FUTURE? Citizens, step aside. The front row seats are reserved for big business. That’s how we read the Commission’s new industrial agenda. This week, our worst fears were confirmed: the Commission launched its Strategic Dialogue on the future of steel, choosing to fill the room with corporate voices while leaving civil society—aka you and me—out of the conversation.
INDUSTRY IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS – The EU should not shape the transformation of its industries with industry alone, shutting out citizen representation. Steel is one of Europe’s dirtiest sectors, responsible for 5% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions and costing an estimated €7 billion a year in public health damage.
Major steel polluters like ArcelorMittal have repeatedly failed to deliver on their climate promises, holding the EU hostage for more subsidies while delivering little in return. Without civil society in the room, who will hold polluters to account? Who will ensure that public interests are protected?
A DANGEROUS PRECEDENT – This systematic exclusion of NGOs from industrial policymaking is a serious threat. Networks like the EEB and CAN Europe have engaged constructively in EU industrial forums for decades. We bring technical expertise, a science-based vision, and a strong mandate to speak on behalf of millions of citizens through our extensive membership(s) across Europe. Should we take this personal, like some might not want the public interest represented?
🗞️ IN OTHER NEWS
THIS WAY PLEASE – With energy security remaining a top political priority, it is also crucial to remember that renewable energy is not in competition with nature protection. Our latest report explores the opportunities that renewable energy can present to rural areas, from attracting new green industries to diversifying income sources for farmers.
SAY CHEESE – At the end of the month, the EEB, together with our partners at the European Institute for Animal Law & Policy, will launch a photography exhibition in the EU Parliament. From animal suffering to water pollution, and disease outbreak risks to rural community decline, ‘Factory Farming: Unveiling the Hidden Costs’ explores the many adverse effects of Europe’s unsustainable model of industrial-scale animal rearing (check this piece for a quick recap on why animal welfare matters).
It exposes the grim realities sustained by this model and reminds policymakers that the vast majority of Europeans are united in demanding change (#EndTheCageAge!!). Check out our position, and the brighter future within reach. Register today!
DIE DEUTSCHE ECKE – Our Deputy Secretary General, Patrizia Heidegger, was on the German edition of the Euronews talk show ‘Brussels, meine Liebe?’ to discuss the Commission’s deregulation initiatives, the looming trade conflict between Europe and the US, and the latest report on the state of corruption in the EU. Check it out!
📢 ORGANISE
If you are not involved, get involved. Find a member organisation near you.
🚀 FOLLOW US
Don’t stay delulu, deal with the pollulu 🍃✨ Stay connected with us on LinkedIn, Bluesky, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Don’t miss out!
✨ SIGN UP
Stay informed. Subscribe to our Meta Newsletter for the latestEU green insider updates every Friday. By subscribing, you also get early access to our in-depth analysis of key EU environmental policy.
🤝 JOIN US
Work with us. We’re always looking for passionate individuals to strengthen our team. Could it be you? Explore our current vacancies on our website, and come make a difference with us!
By: Roi Gomez. Special thanks to the EEB’s editorial team: Alberto Vela, Ben Snelson, Ruby Silk, Carlotta Di Pasquale. Editor: Christian Skrivervik
Fellow innies! Roi G. reporting for duty—and no, I haven’t gone completely mad. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, it’s probably because you still haven’t watched Severance.
In this sci-fi series, employees at the multinational corporation Lumon Industries surrender their autonomy through a radical brain implant that splits their consciousness into two parts—one self-trapped in perpetual work mode, the other blissfully unaware of what happens behind corporate walls. The result is an exploration of identity, free will, and the dark extremes of corporate control.
Although we’re not quite there (yet), the plot of Severance, where omnipotent corporations dictate people’s lives, unfortunately, feels more relevant than ever. Recent developments in EU politics suggest that corporate lobbies are being left to roam free, while the EU seems to be shaping its policies around the interests of the largest and most polluting companies instead of its citizens—and the environment on which we depend. We’ll be talking about this, wolves and much more—so keep reading.
😲 THE EUROPEAN WAY
Gramsci once said, “the old world is dying, and the new world struggles to be born: now is the time of monsters.” Since Trump’s inauguration 47 days ago, the world has been holding its breath, gripped by a pervasive sense of uncertainty and volatility, as if the ground were shifting beneath our feet. We extend our unwavering solidarity with the people of Ukraine and our Ukrainian members and encourage everyone to share their support however they can. In this madness, one thing is clear: Washington D.C. is drifting further and further away, and now is the time for Europe to cast out the monsters from under the bed and take the reins.
IS THIS WHAT (E)U WANT? The Draghi report set the tone for the new EU mandate, initiating a political agenda centred on simplification and competitiveness—obscure terms that, though vague at first, are increasingly becoming code for deregulation and the dismantling of vital social and environmental safeguards.
This was made clear last week when the EU Commission unveiled its flagship policies for the mandate: a package designed to serve the interests of energy-intensive industries prioritising corporate profit maximisation over the well-being of people and planet.
DEAD END – There is nothing to be gained in Europe by following the deregulation trends taking place across the Atlantic, spearheaded by Musk and his minions. In a context of shrinking public budgets and austerity measures, offering no-strings-attached financial support to industries is deeply worrying. Public policy must serve the public interest. Weakening environmental and social protections while widening the gap between struggling public services and wealthy major polluters is in no one’s interest.
HAVE YOU EVEN ASKED? According to the latest Eurobarometer Youth Survey, published this month, young people aged 16-30 across the continent list the cost-of-living crisis and rising prices as their top priorities that they think the EU should focus on in the next five years — followed closely by … *drumroll* … environmental protection and solving climate change!
What no one called for (besides a handful of powerful corporations) is to gut the protections and safety rails that make the EU a planetary leader in social and environmental policy and rights.
THE EUROPEAN WAY – The Union is not only the second-largest economy in the world but also a global stronghold of democracy AND human and environmental rights. Amid a worldwide decline in democratic freedoms, Europe remains a beacon of hope — home to 9 of the world’s top 10 democracies.
In this context and through all the noise, one truth stands out: the future needs EU leadership on solving the climate, biodiversity, and pollution crises. The EU must keep pushing forward — because environmental action is the foundation of a resilient, secure, healthy and prosperous society. This is where the true power and potential of the EU lies.
🐺 WOLF UNDER ATTACK
SHAME ON YOU – This year’s World Wildlife Day left a bitter taste as the protection status of wolves was downgraded under international law. Once one of Europe’s greatest conservation success stories, wolves have become a political target, led by none other than EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen herself. In a move that is reckless, betraying scientific evidence and ignoring vast public support for conservation efforts… We will not stand by as misguided politics trample science and hard-won progress.
NO NO NO NO – In a spiralling climate, biodiversity, and pollution crises, the EU must protect the integrity of its flagship Habitats Directive, which has existed since 1992, and has preserved hundreds of European species and habitats. It has brought back iconic species such as the wolf and the Iberian lynx from the brink of extinction. Rollbacks on this great success story do not only endanger the wolf—they undermine Europe’s credibility as a global leader in environmental policy.
Some Member States are already emboldened by the erosion of habitat protection, even before any legal changes have been made. In Sweden, a controversial and illegal wolf cull began in January, followed by a lynx cull starting on 1 March—both carried out without scientific evidence or legal justification, setting a dangerous precedent for wildlife protection across Europe.
HANDS OFF! Tolerating this attack on nature would set a dangerous precedent, sacrificing the collective well-being of people and ecosystems for the short-sighted political interests of a few. The decision to downgrade the wolf’s protection status goes against the will of the majority—with 68% of Europeans in rural communities supporting strict protection, and 72% agreeing that wolves have a right to coexist alongside humans.
This public sentiment was echoed in the Commission’s own consultation, where 71% of respondents backed maintaining the existing protection status. We are following this process closely and calling on EU policymakers to please base their decisions on scientific evidence, what most Europeans actually want, and what’s in the planet’s best interest. What other interests are more important?
✊ NOTHING ABOUT US, WITHOUT US
STEELING THE FUTURE? Citizens, step aside. The front row seats are reserved for big business. That’s how we read the Commission’s new industrial agenda. This week, our worst fears were confirmed: the Commission launched its Strategic Dialogue on the future of steel, choosing to fill the room with corporate voices while leaving civil society—aka you and me—out of the conversation.
INDUSTRY IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS – The EU should not shape the transformation of its industries with industry alone, shutting out citizen representation. Steel is one of Europe’s dirtiest sectors, responsible for 5% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions and costing an estimated €7 billion a year in public health damage.
Major steel polluters like ArcelorMittal have repeatedly failed to deliver on their climate promises, holding the EU hostage for more subsidies while delivering little in return. Without civil society in the room, who will hold polluters to account? Who will ensure that public interests are protected?
A DANGEROUS PRECEDENT – This systematic exclusion of NGOs from industrial policymaking is a serious threat. Networks like the EEB and CAN Europe have engaged constructively in EU industrial forums for decades. We bring technical expertise, a science-based vision, and a strong mandate to speak on behalf of millions of citizens through our extensive membership(s) across Europe. Should we take this personal, like some might not want the public interest represented?
🗞️ IN OTHER NEWS
THIS WAY PLEASE – With energy security remaining a top political priority, it is also crucial to remember that renewable energy is not in competition with nature protection. Our latest report explores the opportunities that renewable energy can present to rural areas, from attracting new green industries to diversifying income sources for farmers.
SAY CHEESE – At the end of the month, the EEB, together with our partners at the European Institute for Animal Law & Policy, will launch a photography exhibition in the EU Parliament. From animal suffering to water pollution, and disease outbreak risks to rural community decline, ‘Factory Farming: Unveiling the Hidden Costs’ explores the many adverse effects of Europe’s unsustainable model of industrial-scale animal rearing (check this piece for a quick recap on why animal welfare matters).
It exposes the grim realities sustained by this model and reminds policymakers that the vast majority of Europeans are united in demanding change (#EndTheCageAge!!). Check out our position, and the brighter future within reach. Register today!
DIE DEUTSCHE ECKE – Our Deputy Secretary General, Patrizia Heidegger, was on the German edition of the Euronews talk show ‘Brussels, meine Liebe?’ to discuss the Commission’s deregulation initiatives, the looming trade conflict between Europe and the US, and the latest report on the state of corruption in the EU. Check it out!
📢 ORGANISE
If you are not involved, get involved. Find a member organisation near you.
🚀 FOLLOW US
Don’t stay delulu, deal with the pollulu 🍃✨ Stay connected with us on LinkedIn, Bluesky, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Don’t miss out!
✨ SIGN UP
Stay informed. Subscribe to our Meta Newsletter for the latestEU green insider updates every Friday. By subscribing, you also get early access to our in-depth analysis of key EU environmental policy.
🤝 JOIN US
Work with us. We’re always looking for passionate individuals to strengthen our team. Could it be you? Explore our current vacancies on our website, and come make a difference with us!
By: Roi Gomez. Special thanks to the EEB’s editorial team: Alberto Vela, Ben Snelson, Ruby Silk, Carlotta Di Pasquale. Editor: Christian Skrivervik
Fellow innies! Roi G. reporting for duty—and no, I haven’t gone completely mad. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, it’s probably because you still haven’t watched Severance.
In this sci-fi series, employees at the multinational corporation Lumon Industries surrender their autonomy through a radical brain implant that splits their consciousness into two parts—one self-trapped in perpetual work mode, the other blissfully unaware of what happens behind corporate walls. The result is an exploration of identity, free will, and the dark extremes of corporate control.
Although we’re not quite there (yet), the plot of Severance, where omnipotent corporations dictate people’s lives, unfortunately, feels more relevant than ever. Recent developments in EU politics suggest that corporate lobbies are being left to roam free, while the EU seems to be shaping its policies around the interests of the largest and most polluting companies instead of its citizens—and the environment on which we depend. We’ll be talking about this, wolves and much more—so keep reading.
😲 THE EUROPEAN WAY
Gramsci once said, “the old world is dying, and the new world struggles to be born: now is the time of monsters.” Since Trump’s inauguration 47 days ago, the world has been holding its breath, gripped by a pervasive sense of uncertainty and volatility, as if the ground were shifting beneath our feet. We extend our unwavering solidarity with the people of Ukraine and our Ukrainian members and encourage everyone to share their support however they can. In this madness, one thing is clear: Washington D.C. is drifting further and further away, and now is the time for Europe to cast out the monsters from under the bed and take the reins.
IS THIS WHAT (E)U WANT? The Draghi report set the tone for the new EU mandate, initiating a political agenda centred on simplification and competitiveness—obscure terms that, though vague at first, are increasingly becoming code for deregulation and the dismantling of vital social and environmental safeguards.
This was made clear last week when the EU Commission unveiled its flagship policies for the mandate: a package designed to serve the interests of energy-intensive industries prioritising corporate profit maximisation over the well-being of people and planet.
DEAD END – There is nothing to be gained in Europe by following the deregulation trends taking place across the Atlantic, spearheaded by Musk and his minions. In a context of shrinking public budgets and austerity measures, offering no-strings-attached financial support to industries is deeply worrying. Public policy must serve the public interest. Weakening environmental and social protections while widening the gap between struggling public services and wealthy major polluters is in no one’s interest.
HAVE YOU EVEN ASKED? According to the latest Eurobarometer Youth Survey, published this month, young people aged 16-30 across the continent list the cost-of-living crisis and rising prices as their top priorities that they think the EU should focus on in the next five years — followed closely by … *drumroll* … environmental protection and solving climate change!
What no one called for (besides a handful of powerful corporations) is to gut the protections and safety rails that make the EU a planetary leader in social and environmental policy and rights.
THE EUROPEAN WAY – The Union is not only the second-largest economy in the world but also a global stronghold of democracy AND human and environmental rights. Amid a worldwide decline in democratic freedoms, Europe remains a beacon of hope — home to 9 of the world’s top 10 democracies.
In this context and through all the noise, one truth stands out: the future needs EU leadership on solving the climate, biodiversity, and pollution crises. The EU must keep pushing forward — because environmental action is the foundation of a resilient, secure, healthy and prosperous society. This is where the true power and potential of the EU lies.
🐺 WOLF UNDER ATTACK
SHAME ON YOU – This year’s World Wildlife Day left a bitter taste as the protection status of wolves was downgraded under international law. Once one of Europe’s greatest conservation success stories, wolves have become a political target, led by none other than EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen herself. In a move that is reckless, betraying scientific evidence and ignoring vast public support for conservation efforts… We will not stand by as misguided politics trample science and hard-won progress.
NO NO NO NO – In a spiralling climate, biodiversity, and pollution crises, the EU must protect the integrity of its flagship Habitats Directive, which has existed since 1992, and has preserved hundreds of European species and habitats. It has brought back iconic species such as the wolf and the Iberian lynx from the brink of extinction. Rollbacks on this great success story do not only endanger the wolf—they undermine Europe’s credibility as a global leader in environmental policy.
Some Member States are already emboldened by the erosion of habitat protection, even before any legal changes have been made. In Sweden, a controversial and illegal wolf cull began in January, followed by a lynx cull starting on 1 March—both carried out without scientific evidence or legal justification, setting a dangerous precedent for wildlife protection across Europe.
HANDS OFF! Tolerating this attack on nature would set a dangerous precedent, sacrificing the collective well-being of people and ecosystems for the short-sighted political interests of a few. The decision to downgrade the wolf’s protection status goes against the will of the majority—with 68% of Europeans in rural communities supporting strict protection, and 72% agreeing that wolves have a right to coexist alongside humans.
This public sentiment was echoed in the Commission’s own consultation, where 71% of respondents backed maintaining the existing protection status. We are following this process closely and calling on EU policymakers to please base their decisions on scientific evidence, what most Europeans actually want, and what’s in the planet’s best interest. What other interests are more important?
✊ NOTHING ABOUT US, WITHOUT US
STEELING THE FUTURE? Citizens, step aside. The front row seats are reserved for big business. That’s how we read the Commission’s new industrial agenda. This week, our worst fears were confirmed: the Commission launched its Strategic Dialogue on the future of steel, choosing to fill the room with corporate voices while leaving civil society—aka you and me—out of the conversation.
INDUSTRY IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS – The EU should not shape the transformation of its industries with industry alone, shutting out citizen representation. Steel is one of Europe’s dirtiest sectors, responsible for 5% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions and costing an estimated €7 billion a year in public health damage.
Major steel polluters like ArcelorMittal have repeatedly failed to deliver on their climate promises, holding the EU hostage for more subsidies while delivering little in return. Without civil society in the room, who will hold polluters to account? Who will ensure that public interests are protected?
A DANGEROUS PRECEDENT – This systematic exclusion of NGOs from industrial policymaking is a serious threat. Networks like the EEB and CAN Europe have engaged constructively in EU industrial forums for decades. We bring technical expertise, a science-based vision, and a strong mandate to speak on behalf of millions of citizens through our extensive membership(s) across Europe. Should we take this personal, like some might not want the public interest represented?
🗞️ IN OTHER NEWS
THIS WAY PLEASE – With energy security remaining a top political priority, it is also crucial to remember that renewable energy is not in competition with nature protection. Our latest report explores the opportunities that renewable energy can present to rural areas, from attracting new green industries to diversifying income sources for farmers.
SAY CHEESE – At the end of the month, the EEB, together with our partners at the European Institute for Animal Law & Policy, will launch a photography exhibition in the EU Parliament. From animal suffering to water pollution, and disease outbreak risks to rural community decline, ‘Factory Farming: Unveiling the Hidden Costs’ explores the many adverse effects of Europe’s unsustainable model of industrial-scale animal rearing (check this piece for a quick recap on why animal welfare matters).
It exposes the grim realities sustained by this model and reminds policymakers that the vast majority of Europeans are united in demanding change (#EndTheCageAge!!). Check out our position, and the brighter future within reach. Register today!
DIE DEUTSCHE ECKE – Our Deputy Secretary General, Patrizia Heidegger, was on the German edition of the Euronews talk show ‘Brussels, meine Liebe?’ to discuss the Commission’s deregulation initiatives, the looming trade conflict between Europe and the US, and the latest report on the state of corruption in the EU. Check it out!
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By: Roi Gomez. Special thanks to the EEB’s editorial team: Alberto Vela, Ben Snelson, Ruby Silk, Carlotta Di Pasquale. Editor: Christian Skrivervik
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