In-Extremis EU

White smoke in Brussels has finally extinguished the wildfire—or, more accurately, the firecrackers. Late Wednesday, the EU Parliament reached a deal on the seven remaining EU commissioners, ending weeks of gridlock and uncertainty. The political agreement among the main pro-EU groups (centre-right EPP, socialist S&D, and liberal Renew) has given the green light to the new EU Commission, but not without its share of drama. In this edition, we dive into what this political saga tells us, what to expect in the Commission’s first 100 days, and how to navigate the challenging road ahead. Stay with us! 

OFF TO A BAD START

NOBODY EXPECTS THE SPANISH INQUISITION — Almost no one expected the final hearing of commissioners, featuring Spain’s Teresa Ribera, to turn into a full-blown political spectacle, branded by insiders as a “shit show”. The EPP, spearheaded by Spain’s PP, launched hash attacks on Ribera, accusing her of mishandling deadly floods in Valencia—a move that many saw as an orchestrated distraction. Approval for Ribera and her fellow commissioners was delayed until she reported to her national parliament, leaving the pro-EU bloc scrambling to hold its ground. 

FOCUS, PLEASE — After much unnecessary drama and political theatre, the main political parties have finally buried the hatchet… for now. But the bitter aftertaste lingers. The challenges ahead are daunting, set against a backdrop of an increasingly volatile global landscape. With reactionary forces ready to exploit any crack, the pro-EU coalition must prioritise their majority to address the triple planetary crisis and protect progress. MEPs must avoid partisan theatres (perhaps related to upcoming national elections) and champion science, human rights, and the rule of law. We shouldn’t have to say it, but here we are…

 THE COALITION AGREEMENT

HIGHLIGHTS AND GAPS — In just two pages, the new coalition agreement between the pro-EU majority in Parliament lays out their priorities for the new EU mandate. While the European Green Deal is acknowledged as an “agreed policy” that will not be compromised by cutting red tape, the focus shifts heavily toward economic growth and a business-friendly environment. Decarbonisation, circular economy, biodiversity, water, and natural resource protection are mentioned, but pollution and the urgency of the triple planetary crisis are conspicuously absent. Social elements, including the Pillar of Social Rights and inequality, are included, but agriculture and environmental issues are presented separately, lacking clear integration. Read the agreement here. 

CLEAN INDUSTRIAL COUNTDOWN  

VDL 2.0 FLAGSHIP — The incoming Commission’s first big test will be delivering the much-anticipated Clean Industrial Deal within its first 100 days. Promised as a roadmap to keep Europe competitive, it’s meant to complement—not replace—the Green Deal which is a key part of VDL’s legacy from her last term. But fears persist that vested interests might push for deregulation and blank checks for polluters, jeopardising real progress. No, thank you!

OUR VISION — We joined voices with businesses and civil society calling for a Clean Industrial Deal that prioritises sustainability, fairness, and innovation. As Europe faces the triple crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, the stakes couldn’t be higher. This Commission must rise to the challenge by aligning industrial policy with planetary boundaries and social equity.  

BEYOND DECARBONISATION — The Clean Industrial Deal must go beyond climate goals to include zero-pollution objectives, circular economy principles, and the replacement of harmful chemicals with sustainable alternatives. Clear incentives, public accountability tools and transparency measures will be essential to keep (and build) trust, guide investments, and track progress effectively. A toxic-free, nature-positive industrial framework is also critical for long-term resilience. 

PEOPLE FIRST — Workers, communities, and vulnerable groups must see tangible benefits—from cleaner air to sustainable jobs. Support schemes must include strong social and environmental conditions, and the “polluter pays” principle must be enforced to fund cleanup and innovation. A just and fair transition isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the only way to secure the public buy-in needed for large-scale change.  

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE — By committing to a holistic, people-centred, and fit-for-one-planet Clean Industrial Deal, Europe can reinforce its status as a global frontrunner in sustainable industry. Competitiveness must mean progress for all, not just profit for a few. Read our industrial blueprint and letter to the Commission. 

OTHER BIG DEALS  

ACTION ON BIBLICAL FLOODING — The catastrophic flooding in Spain in recent weeks is not just a natural disaster—it’s a wake-up call. We must drastically cut emissions to curb rising temperatures, restore Earth’s naturally balanced weather patterns, and improve the management of our water resources. The EU Commission has promised to deliver a European Water Resilience Strategy focused on climate adaptation and preparedness. That means holistic action that embraces natural solutions and that is based on science, not market indications and techno-solutionism! Millions of people, homes, and livelihoods depend on getting this right. Dive into our Water Handbook to see what’s needed for the next EU mandate. 

EEB STANDS WITH FARMERS — This week, we co-hosted an event in the EU Parliament, which was joined by a number of farmers, scientists and policymakers to address the urgent challenges facing EU agriculture. Small-scale farmers and the natural ecosystems they rely on are being devastated by the relentless industrialisation of Europe’s countryside. The EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which accounts for a third of the EU budget, has fuelled this crisis by disproportionately benefiting big agribusinesses. As these corporate giants grow, they swallow up the land of smaller farms. Between 2005 and 2020, Europe lost 5.3 million small farms. The human and environmental toll is staggering. It’s time to rewrite the rules—read our CAP Vision Paper to learn how we can foster a fairer, more sustainable future for farmers and our planet.

FOLLOW US

Don’t stay delulu, deal with the pollulu. This year, our digital community has skyrocketed! We’ve joined Bluesky, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts—and have already gone viral several times. Plus, we just hit a huge milestone: 50.000 followers on LinkedIn! 

Stay connected. Dive into our Bluesky Starter Packs and follow us across platforms for the latest updates on green policies and our work across the EU and beyond. Don’t miss out!

SIGN UP 

Stay informed. Subscribe to our Meta Newsletter for the latestEU green insider updates every Friday. 

Join the future. The European Pact for the Future sparks hope and courage now when we need it the most. It’s a roadmap for well-being and opportunity for all. Check out the Pact and its Action Plan, and sign up to be part of the movement shaping Europe’s sustainable future.

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