Before I get into the heart of the matter, I would like to send all of you some encouraging thoughts in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak. Although we are facing challenging times ahead, it is important to keep communicating closely, and I am therefore happy to provide you with this new issue of the Green Development Newsletter, focusing on the Green Deal. The outbreak itself is also a reminder of the importance of managing natural resources and ecosystems sustainably, as part of the Green Deal and the necessary transition towards more sustainable and resilient development models and low-carbon green economies. Ecosystem degradation, intensive meat production and the resulting increase in human-wildlife contact as well as the illegal consumption of wildlife products are increasing the risks of zoonotic diseases like Ebola or SARS-CoV-2, while inappropriate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services can reduce the resilience of societies to these outbreaks. A healthy planet is the foundation for healthy and resilient societies and the Green Deal should therefore be a model for COVID recovery.

The European Green Deal strives to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050 and to strengthen the EU’s role as a world leader on circular economy and biodiversity. It puts environment and climate change at the heart of the EU agenda, both in Europe and in the world. Europe has a unique opportunity to change course and lead the transition, with a new Commission, a new political agenda, and a new 7-year budget and programming cycle ahead.

On 4 March, the European Commission presented a proposal to enshrine the 2050 climate neutrality objective in legislation, to protect the planet and our people. The European Climate Law sets the 2050 target and the direction for all EU policies, and gives predictability for public authorities, businesses and citizens. President von der Leyen said: “The Climate Law is the legal translation of our political commitment, and sets us irreversibly on the path to a more sustainable future. It is the heart of the European Green Deal.”

The Green Deal has a strong external dimension which will be key for its implementation. Both the new EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and EU Forest Strategy will include strong international ambitions. There will be a set of concrete measures to support deforestation-free value chains and an ambitious post-2020 global deal for nature to be adopted at the 15^th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. The new EU Industrial Strategy and Circular Economy Action Plan aim to promote resource efficiency and waste reduction in global value chains. The Farm to Fork Strategy and the Zero-Pollution Action Plan will promote ambitious global standards for sustainability. The Green Deal will thereby also contribute to reduce natural disaster risks and crises linked to environmental degradation and climate change.

The World Economic Forum recognises that the biggest risks to the world economy are related to ecological collapse, climate change and natural disasters. Climate change and environmental degradation negatively affect societies and undermine resilience and stability: they disproportionately affect the poorest people and regions and offset development gains. Despite this, the current trajectory is such that even if the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement are fully implemented, the world would not meet the overarching goal of keeping global temperature rise well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. 

To promote the Green Deal, we intend to build Green Alliances with partner countries and regions. Africa – Europe’s closest neighbour – is at the top of our priorities. On 9 March, the European Commission and the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy proposed a new strategy with Africa. The strategy includes a green transition and energy access partnership with Africa to maximise the benefits of the green transition and minimise threats to the environment in line with the Paris Agreement. Amongst other things, this partnership proposes a Green Energy initiative building on the recommendations of the High Level Platform for Sustainable Energy Investments in Africa. 

In the context of the Green Deal, we will strongly support our partners to upgrade and implement their NDCs ahead of the next international climate negotiations. We will enhance renewable energy generation and energy efficiency, support the preservation of biodiversity, foster circular and low carbon economies, promote better management of natural resources and tackle pollution, waste and sanitation. We will need to work with our partner countries to transform food systems and make them more sustainable, and promote a sustainable urban development agenda, which will entail jobs and growth and ensure sustainable and smart mobility for all. 

The upcoming programming of our cooperation for 2021-2027 will be critical to achieve the Green Deal’s ambition. We will have to put environment and climate change at the heart of our action and use all our tools in order to mobilise our partners to join us on a sustainable path: policy and regulatory work, green investments, budget support, green budgeting and procurement, fiscal reforms, research and innovation, education, diplomacy and engagement with the private sector. The EU can use its political and economic influence, expertise and financial resources. In line with this, the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) includes a target to spend 25 % of its 2021-2027 budget on action supporting climate objectives.

The European Green Deal lays the ground for exciting new budget and programming cycles. It opens up new prospects for a fair and prosperous climate-neutral society in harmony with nature. This will require that we all work more closely than ever. We look forward to this!

I wish you all a pleasant and interesting read!