Lena Schilling is an Austrian Member of the European Parliament (MEP) representing Die Grünen within the Greens/European Free Alliance (Greens/EFA) group.
As a member of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI), she plays an active role in shaping EU climate policies.
As one of the youngest MEPs in the current European Parliament, Schilling brings a strong background in climate activism and youth engagement in European politics.
In this exclusive interview with EU Today, Schilling shares her insights on the challenges and opportunities facing environmental policy in the EU, her vision for sustainable economic growth, her personal journey from activism to the European Parliament, her priorities in the European Parliament, EU environmental policy, and the challenges facing the Green movement in a rapidly evolving political landscape.
Amid a shifting geopolitical landscape and growing concerns over environmental policy, Schilling is entering European politics at a critical juncture. As a member of the Green group, she is navigating the challenges of advancing climate policy in a political environment that is becoming increasingly divided over issues such as the European Green Deal and industrial competitiveness.
The Challenge of Balancing Green Policies and Economic Growth
Speaking from the European Parliament, Schilling acknowledged the complexities of pushing forward environmental policies in the current climate. “We are seeing right now that it’s not easy to push through with environmental policies and even just communicate about them.” she said.
She pointed to the European Commission’s promotion of the Clean Industrial Deal, an effort to align economic competitiveness with environmental goals. “We hear the word competitiveness almost ten times a day, and what we need to do is find a way to cooperate with economic considerations while succeeding with the Green Deal.” Schilling noted, adding that “the Green Deal can be the driver for our competitiveness if we do it right and if we are brave enough to do it.”
The Green Deal, originally championed as a comprehensive framework to transition Europe towards a more sustainable economy, has faced criticism from industry representatives and political opponents who argue that it accelerates de-industrialisation. Critics claim that restrictive environmental policies push industries out of Europe and into countries with lower environmental standards, increasing global carbon footprints rather than reducing them.
Schilling counters this by pointing to mechanisms such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), designed to tax high-emission imports from non-EU countries, ensuring that European businesses are not disadvantaged. “We need to act upon every crisis at the moment and leave no one out,” she stressed, arguing that abandoning climate policies would ultimately harm Europe’s economy.
The Role of the Green Party in a Changing Political Landscape
Over the last two decades, environmental policies have become a standard component of most mainstream political manifestos, both on the left and the right. Schilling acknowledges that the Green movement has succeeded in embedding climate concerns into the broader political discourse.
However, she warns that the fight is far from over, as recent political developments indicate a regression in legislative support for key environmental measures. “Yes, every party has an environmental manifesto, but if we examine key votes on issues such as deforestation and the supply chain law, we see that the majorities in Parliament are shifting backward.”
Despite increased awareness of climate change, Schilling describes the difficulty of working within a political system where climate denialism still exists. “As a young person engaged in climate policies, it is frustrating to sit in committees where some people still deny the human-made climate crisis,” she remarked. She remains determined, stating that the Green group must continue advocating for climate action and social justice, ensuring that future generations inherit a sustainable and liveable world.
The Influence of Lobbyists and Climate Denialism
The conversation also turned to the influence of lobbyists within the European Parliament. Schilling acknowledges that powerful consultancies, including those representing major fossil fuel and tobacco companies, have historically played a role in shaping policy narratives. “It is no secret that certain consultancies push narratives that are against climate action,” she said, referring to lobbying efforts by fossil fuel interests.
She remains optimistic about the power of civil society, recalling her own journey from climate activism with Fridays for Future to becoming an MEP. “Politics is so much more than being a parliamentarian. It happens on the streets, in schools, at workplaces—wherever people come together to discuss and fight for change.” she said. She emphasises that political engagement is not confined to parliamentary debates but extends to grassroots movements, workplaces, and public discourse. According to Schilling, climate action must be a collective effort involving citizens, activists, and policymakers.
The Future of Environmental Policy in Europe
Schilling warns that multiple environmental crises are interconnected, spanning pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change. She highlights the alarming extinction rate of over 130 species per day and the cascading effects this has on ecosystems. “The biodiversity crisis is real. Every day we lose more than 130 species—our ecosystems are already collapsing,” she stated. From air pollution affecting public health to deforestation threatening global food security, she argues that policymakers must adopt a holistic approach to tackling these issues.
Despite the challenges, she remains hopeful, pointing to past successes such as the EU Bathing Water Directive. This legislation, which significantly improved water quality across Europe, serves as an example of how effective policies can lead to tangible environmental benefits. She contrasts this with post-Brexit Britain, where weakened regulations have resulted in declining water quality on British beaches.
A Call for Political Will and Public Engagement
Schilling stresses that the road to meaningful climate action requires unwavering political commitment. She believes that young people have a critical role to play in holding governments accountable and ensuring that climate policies remain a priority. “Young people are engaged in climate movements because they see the destruction and refuse to accept it as normal. We need to fight for them,” she asserted. While she acknowledges the necessity of compromise in politics, she warns against concessions that come at the expense of environmental integrity.
As Europe grapples with geopolitical uncertainty and economic pressures, Schilling remains steadfast in her belief that environmental sustainability and economic resilience are not mutually exclusive. Her presence in the European Parliament signals a generational shift, bringing fresh perspectives and renewed urgency to the fight for climate justice.
For Schilling, the message is clear: political decisions should not be driven by short-term profits but by a long-term commitment to humanity and the planet. “We need to make decisions for humanity and not for short-term profit,” she concluded. Her tenure in the European Parliament will be one to watch as she continues to push for policies that balance environmental responsibility with economic viability.
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