The Green parties, which saw a surge in support and influence in 2019 due to the global climate change movement, are now facing challenges and expected to perform poorly in the upcoming European Parliament elections. This decline in popularity can be attributed to various factors.
One reason for the Green parties’ expected decline is the shift in public concerns. While climate change remains a major issue, other pressing concerns have taken center stage, such as inflation, illegal immigration, and unemployment. According to a recent Ipsos poll, climate change ranks as the sixth priority issue for European Union (EU) voters. This change in priorities has impacted the Greens’ appeal, as voters are now more focused on other issues.
Additionally, the Greens have faced backlash due to unpopular moves by Green politicians in national governments. The party’s role in government in Germany has particularly affected their popularity. Unpopular policies and a stuttering economy have led to record-low satisfaction with the government, and approval ratings for Economy and Climate Minister Robert Habeck have dropped significantly. The costs associated with concrete environmental policies have also led some people to turn away from the Greens.
The expected decline of the Green parties in the European Parliament will have implications for EU climate policy. As the bloc’s “Green Deal” moves into a politically sensitive phase, with a focus on the economic impact of Green goals, having fewer Green lawmakers will likely result in less influence over climate policies for the next five years. This could slow down Europe’s transition to a greener future.
Moreover, the rise of right-wing and far-right parties threatens to erode the EU assembly’s ability to pass ambitious climate policies. The next EU Parliament will decide on a legally binding 2040 climate target, and the Greens have been instrumental in pushing for science-aligned emissions cuts. However, if more climate-skeptical representatives are elected, they could use legal “reviews” of existing emissions-cutting policies to add loopholes or undo parts of the laws, potentially slowing down Europe’s progress towards a more sustainable future.
In response to these challenges, the Greens are focusing on fighting the far-right agenda. They are highlighting the dangers posed by the far right and framing the election as a battle against them. The Greens are also emphasizing their platform’s commitment to social fairness and support for European industries to stay competitive. They argue that compromising on climate and environment issues would lower the bar for other parties.
Despite the expected decline, the Greens still play an important role in setting the agenda for climate change. German climate activist Luisa Neubauer stated that if the Green Party compromises on climate issues, it lowers the bar for other parties. The Greens are seen as the antidote to the far right, with their progressive policies and emphasis on combating climate change.
In conclusion, the Green parties in Europe are facing challenges and a decline in popularity ahead of the European Parliament elections. The shift in public concerns, backlash against unpopular policies, and the rise of right-wing parties have all contributed to this decline. The weakened influence of Green lawmakers in the next European Parliament could slow down Europe’s transition to a green economy. However, the Greens are still seen as leaders in climate action and play a vital role in pushing for ambitious climate policies. The upcoming elections will ultimately shape the future of EU climate policy for the next five years.
