EU rollback on environmental policy is gaining momentum, warn campaigners – The Guardian

Report on the European Union’s Environmental Policy Rollback and Its Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

The European Union (EU) is experiencing a significant rollback of its environmental policies, raising concerns among campaigners and observers. This deregulation drive, marked by its unprecedented scale and rapid pace, threatens the EU’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to climate action, life on land, and responsible consumption and production.

Context and Political Shifts

Since late 2023, following opinion polls indicating a rightward political shift ahead of the 2024 parliamentary elections, EU policymakers have undermined key components of the European Green Deal. The new European Commission’s competition-focused agenda has accelerated this trend, impacting the EU’s ability to meet SDG targets.

Key Policy Changes and Their SDG Implications

1. Dilution of Sustainable Finance Rules
   • The introduction of “omnibus” packages has weakened sustainable finance regulations, some of which were suspended before implementation.
   • Member states have proposed further dilution, undermining SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
2. Delays and Relaxations in Environmental Legislation
   • A law aimed at halting deforestation in supply chains was postponed by one year, affecting SDG 15 (Life on Land).
   • Car manufacturers received a two-year extension to meet pollution targets, impacting SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
   • The protection status of wolves was downgraded, threatening biodiversity and SDG 15.
3. Restrictions on Environmental NGOs
   • A funding freeze targeting environmental NGOs risks undermining democratic participation and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
4. Cancellation of Anti-Greenwashing Legislation
   • The termination of this law during final negotiations weakens corporate accountability and transparency, hindering progress toward SDG 12 and SDG 16.

Broader Global Context

The EU’s environmental policy rollback occurs amid a global decline in pollution reduction efforts. Similar political resistance is evident in other major economies:

• In the UK, political opposition has grown against the net-zero target for 2050.
• In the United States, the second term of former President Donald Trump has seen aggressive promotion of fossil fuels and rollbacks of environmental protections.

These developments collectively threaten SDG 13 and global climate stability.

Political Dynamics within the EU

The European People’s Party (EPP), the largest parliamentary group and home to many commissioners, has championed deregulation and simplification, often aligning with far-right factions. This alliance has led to the withdrawal of key environmental bills, including the anti-greenwashing law, which the EPP hailed as a victory for European businesses.

Commission’s Position and Industry Response

• The European Commission asserts its agenda focuses on simplification rather than deregulation, emphasizing competitiveness alongside environmental goals.
• Initiatives like the Clean Industrial Deal aim to advance the energy transition, supporting SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
• However, environmental campaigners argue that recent proposals significantly weaken sustainability requirements, delaying corporate reporting, reducing the scope of due diligence, and excluding many businesses from carbon border mechanisms, thereby compromising SDG 12 and SDG 13.

Challenges and Criticism

Critics warn that the failure to rapidly transition to a sustainable economy jeopardizes long-term economic prosperity and increases the costs associated with climate damages. The EU risks losing its competitive edge to global powers like the US and China if it continues to adhere to outdated regulatory frameworks.

Summary of Key Concerns Related to SDGs

• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Delays in pollution targets and weakened finance rules hinder climate mitigation efforts.
• SDG 15 (Life on Land): Postponed deforestation laws and reduced wildlife protection threaten biodiversity.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Dilution of corporate sustainability reporting and due diligence reduces accountability.
• SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions): Funding freezes on environmental NGOs undermine democratic governance and civil society engagement.
• SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): Efforts like the Clean Industrial Deal support energy transition but face challenges from deregulation pressures.

Conclusion

The EU’s recent environmental policy rollback represents a critical challenge to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. While simplification and competitiveness are important, they must not come at the expense of environmental integrity and long-term sustainability. Maintaining ambitious climate and environmental policies is essential to securing Europe’s future economic and ecological resilience in alignment with the SDGs.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 13: Climate Action – The article discusses delays and rollbacks in climate-related policies such as deforestation laws, pollution targets for carmakers, and anti-greenwashing legislation, directly relating to climate action.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land – The article mentions downgrading the protection status of wolves and delays in nature restoration laws, which affect biodiversity and terrestrial ecosystems.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The discussion about sustainable finance rules, corporate sustainability reporting, and due diligence rules relates to responsible production and consumption.
4. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – The article references the energy transition and the Clean Industrial Deal aimed at greening industry.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The funding freeze on environmental NGOs and the political tensions around environmental legislation relate to governance and institutional integrity.
6. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article highlights the balance between competitiveness, economic realities, and environmental goals.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies and planning.
   • Target 13.a: Implement the commitment to the UNFCCC for climate finance and technology transfer.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent action to reduce degradation of natural habitats and halt biodiversity loss.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.6: Encourage companies to adopt sustainable practices and sustainability reporting.
   • Target 12.4: Achieve environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes.
4. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Target 7.a: Enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making.
6. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.4: Improve resource efficiency in consumption and production.
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators related to SDG 13 (Climate Action):
   • Progress on legislation to stop deforestation in supply chains (e.g., number of laws enacted or delayed).
   • Compliance rates of carmakers with pollution targets (e.g., percentage meeting emission standards).
   • Implementation status of anti-greenwashing laws.
   • Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the EU.
2. Indicators related to SDG 15 (Life on Land):
   • Status of protection for species such as wolves (e.g., number of species protected or downgraded).
   • Area of land and sea restored under nature restoration laws (e.g., percentage of EU land restored).
   • Rates of biodiversity loss or habitat degradation.
3. Indicators related to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production):
   • Number and scope of companies subject to corporate sustainability reporting.
   • Number of companies complying with due diligence rules.
   • Extent of sustainable finance rules implemented or diluted.
4. Indicators related to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy):
   • Share of renewable energy in the EU energy mix.
   • Progress on the Clean Industrial Deal implementation.
5. Indicators related to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions):
   • Funding levels for environmental NGOs.
   • Number of environmental laws passed or blocked.
   • Degree of transparency and inclusiveness in environmental policymaking.
6. Indicators related to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth):
   • Administrative burden reduction percentages for companies (e.g., 25% for all companies, 35% for SMEs).
   • Economic competitiveness indices in relation to environmental regulation.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: theguardian.com