The Green Agenda’s Electoral Setback and Its Implications for EU Policy

As the EU refocuses its priorities in the wake of these elections, the diminished influence of the Greens could have far-reaching consequences for environmental policies and the overall direction of the EU.

The European Parliament, the EU’s most democratic institution, has seen a notable shift in its political landscape. While the primary pro-European parties—the European People’s Party (EPP), the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), and Renew Europe—maintain their influence, the Green Party has faced considerable losses.

The Greens now hold only 52 seats, down from 74, representing a decrease from 10.4% to 7.2% of the total seats.

This decline can be attributed to several factors. Key among them are the substantial protests by European farmers, discontent with certain green policies, and the overarching geopolitical crises, including the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

These issues have overshadowed climate concerns in the eyes of many voters.

Historically, the Greens have been pivotal in driving the EU’s environmental policies. Their reduced presence in the European Parliament means they can no longer form part of the leading coalition.

This shift will necessitate greater reliance on cooperation with other major political groups, potentially diluting the ambition and pace of green initiatives.

Green Agenda Faces Setbacks but Remains Integral to EU’s Future Policy

The Green Party’s losses were most pronounced in Germany and France.

In Germany, the Greens’ involvement in the ruling coalition forced them into policy compromises, which, coupled with their opposition to nuclear energy amid an energy crisis, hurt their electoral prospects.

In France, controversial proposals like banning meat in school canteens and cancelling the Tour de France alienated voters, leading to significant losses.

Despite these setbacks, the Greens did make gains in some regions. They secured additional seats in Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, and notably, in Italy, where they increased their representation from zero to three seats.

The EU’s new legislative priorities are expected to pivot towards enhancing the bloc’s competitiveness, especially vis-à-vis the United States and China, and advancing the green and digital transitions.

Although the Green Party’s influence has waned, the broader agenda of environmental sustainability remains part of the EU’s focus, albeit now driven by a coalition of the EPP, S&D, and Renew Europe.

Shifting Public Priorities and the New Political Landscape in the European Parliament

According to the Eurobarometer, EU citizens prioritised issues such as poverty reduction, social inclusion, public health, economic support, job creation, and EU defence and security during the electoral campaign.

The increased emphasis on defence and security, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine, reflects a shift in public sentiment that could further impact the prioritisation of green policies.

With the Greens no longer a dominant force, environmental NGOs and green lobbyists must adapt to the new political reality. They will need to engage more actively with the dominant parties to ensure that green policies continue to advance. This includes Renew Europe, which now holds a more substantial role in the EU’s legislative process.

Notably, the election results were favourable for Volt, a pan-European party that increased its representation from one to five seats. Volt’s policies on EU democratic reform, fair migration, renewable energy, and social justice align with many green priorities, offering a potential new ally for environmental advocacy within the Parliament.

Read also:

Farmers Protest in Brussels: Tractors, Tensions, and Traffic Disruptions

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