The political direction set by President von der Leyen and the early parliamentary
debates reveal a concerning shift: tackling the climate, biodiversity, and pollution
crises is being deprioritised in favour of industry demands. With the Commissioners’
hearings approaching, the coming weeks will be critical for restoring the balance
between the public good and corporate influence.

According to the new mission letters, all Commissioners must meet arbitrary ‘burden
reduction’ targets and simplify legislation, posing the risk of delayed or weakened
environmental action. It is not enough for this Commission to vaguely claim it will not
deregulate environmental, public health and social standards.

Alongside over 180 civil society organisations, Bellona Europa signed the joint letter below, to ensure new Commissioners commit to upholding the commitments and ambition of the European Green Deal.

• Joint letter (pdf)