Will the European Green Deal Finally Get the Green Light?

Abstract

In 2019, the European Union set the goal of the continent becoming carbon neutral by 2050, which will be achieved by adopting a number of measures. The European Green Deal is closely linked to the Paris Agree- ment (2015), signed by more than 190 countries, which aims to avoid extreme climate change by keeping the global average temperature below 1.5°C. This requires, among other things, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from all sectors by increasing energy efficiency and independence, building a circular economy and preserving biodiversity, and therefore a combined reform of environment, climate and energy policies are needed. The coronavirus pandemic starting in 2020, as well as representing a daunting challenge has also provided an opportunity to transform the European and even the global economy in a greener way. The Russia–Ukraine war in February 2022 has woken Europe up to the urgent need to increase the resilience of its energy sector, for example through the substitution of fossil fuels by alternative/renewable energy sources. The question now is whether European policy makers, and indeed European societies will be able to seize the opportunity offered by external factors.