Towards a Climate-Neutral Union by 2050? The European Green Deal, Climate Law, and Green Recovery

Abstract

This chapter explores the development of the EU’s climate policy from the vantage point of the global climate agenda as well as internal policy initiatives. On the global level, the EU is seen, and sees itself, as an influential player, although it has adopted different leadership styles due to changes in international power structures from the UNFCCC in Copenhagen in 2009, to the conferences in Paris 2015 and Glasgow 2021. On the European level, the EU has adopted a number of ambitious initiatives despite the economic downturn in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, such as the European Green Deal, the European climate law, and the Fit for 55 package. These initiatives have been driven mostly by the European Commission and the European Parliament with the support of some Member States. The other Member States, mainly from Central and Eastern Europe have remained sceptical to an ambitious EU climate policy.