The European Green parties are facing a tough battle in the upcoming European elections as a “greenlash” sweeps across the continent. What was once a strong demand for action against climate change has now turned into resistance against green policies, with soaring energy prices and the cost of living crisis driving many Europeans to reject abandoning fossil fuels.
The Greens/European Free Alliance (G/EFA), currently the fourth-largest group in the European Parliament, is at risk of losing up to 30% of their seats in the upcoming elections. This could have a significant impact on the EU’s Green Deal for the European economy, which aims to make Europe carbon-neutral by 2050.
Parties on the right and far right have responded quickly to public discontent, questioning the expensive decarbonization processes and investments in green transition. Leaders like Matteo Salvini in Italy, Viktor Orban in Hungary, and far-right parties in Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Spain have all pushed back against green policies, citing concerns about the economy and the cost of living.
Despite the backlash, climate change remains a top concern for European voters, with a majority agreeing that environmental legislation is necessary for protecting the environment. However, the focus on cost of living issues in the current campaign suggests that the European Greens may struggle to maintain their momentum from five years ago.
As the elections approach, the outcome will determine the future of green policies in Europe and how the continent tackles the pressing issue of climate change. The stakes are high, and the results will have far-reaching implications for the EU’s environmental goals and commitments.
