Meeting of the Renew Europe Group
Meeting of the Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament with my election as Vice-President of the Group
Нидерландия
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SUSTAINABLE EUROPE
BALANCED
Sustainable Europe refers to a vision of a European society and economy that is able to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This involves balancing economic growth, social well-being, and environmental protection, and ensuring that they are all interconnected and interdependent.
GREEN
Sustainable Europe aims to achieve a high quality of life for all Europeans, while reducing carbon emissions, protecting biodiversity, and conserving natural resources. This involves promoting sustainable development in all sectors of the economy, from energy to agriculture to transportation.
CONNECTED
In order to achieve a Sustainable Europe, it is necessary to work towards the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to eliminate poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. This requires the implementation of policies and strategies that promote sustainability, such as renewable energy, circular economy, sustainable agriculture, and green transport.
VARIOUS EUROPEAN LEGISLATION AND POLICIES THAT PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE EUROPE
EUROPEAN GREEN DEAL: This is a flagship initiative of the European Union, which aims to make Europe climate-neutral by 2050. It includes a wide range of policies and measures, such as increasing the share of renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, promoting sustainable transport, and protecting biodiversity.
RENEWABLE ENERGY DIRECTIVE: This directive sets binding targets for each EU member state to increase the share of renewable energy in their energy mix. The target is to reach at least 32% of final energy consumption from renewables by 2030.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY PACKAGE: This package includes a set of legislative proposals aimed at promoting a circular economy in the EU. It includes measures to reduce waste and promote recycling and reuse, as well as initiatives to encourage eco-design and resource efficiency.
![20230508172841_[fpdl.in]_milky-way-galaxy-night-sky_361360-1692.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a9ac33_ca30f8413e134fb08aacedb46ddc4a6f~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_98,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/a9ac33_ca30f8413e134fb08aacedb46ddc4a6f~mv2.jpg)
COMMON AGRICULTURAL POLICY:
The EU's Common Agricultural Policy aims to support sustainable agriculture and rural development. It includes measures to protect the environment, promote biodiversity, and support organic farming.
WASTE FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE:
This directive sets out the basic concepts and definitions related to waste management in the EU. It aims to promote waste prevention, recycling, and the recovery of valuable resources from waste.
ENERGY PERFORMANCE OF BUILDINGS DIRECTIVE:
This directive aims to improve the energy efficiency of buildings in the EU. It requires member states to establish minimum energy performance standards for buildings and to ensure that all new buildings are nearly zero-energy buildings by 2021.
WASTE FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE:
This directive sets out the basic concepts and definitions related to waste management in the EU. It aims to promote waste prevention, recycling, and the recovery of valuable resources from waste.
ENVIRONMENT
Environmental Protection: Sustainable Europe promotes the protection of the natural environment and biodiversity, which are essential for the long-term health and well-being of our planet. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy, and adopting circular economy practices, Europe can help mitigate the impact of climate change and protect our natural resources.
ECONOMIC
PROSPERITY
Sustainable Europe can also contribute to economic prosperity by promoting sustainable economic growth and job creation. For example, the transition to a low-carbon economy can create new business opportunities and drive innovation, while sustainable agriculture and forestry can help support rural communities and promote regional development.
![20230508172638_[fpdl.in]_natural-wood-hardwood-charcoal-close-up_185193-91469.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a9ac33_9adf8c88676c43f08cef30db61e8a9cc~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_95,h_143,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/a9ac33_9adf8c88676c43f08cef30db61e8a9cc~mv2.jpg)
SOCIAL
EQUITY
Sustainable Europe aims to ensure that everyone benefits from the transition to a sustainable economy, including vulnerable and marginalized communities. This involves promoting social equity and inclusion, protecting workers' rights, and ensuring that the benefits of sustainable development are shared fairly.
GLOBAL LEADERSHIP
Europe can also play a leading role in promoting sustainability on the global stage. By adopting ambitious climate and environmental targets, Europe can inspire other countries to follow suit and help drive the transition to a more sustainable future for all.
MAIN OBJECTIVES
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PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
This involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting natural resources, conserving biodiversity, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Sustainable Europe aims to promote sustainable development that balances economic growth, social well-being, and environmental protection.
FOSTER ECONOMIC GROWTH AND PROSPERITY
Sustainable Europe seeks to promote economic growth and job creation through sustainable means, such as renewable energy, circular economy practices, and sustainable agriculture. This involves ensuring that economic development is sustainable, inclusive, and benefits all members of society.
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ACHIEVE SOCIAL EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Sustainable Europe aims to promote social equity and inclusion by ensuring that the benefits of sustainable development are shared fairly among all members of society. This involves protecting workers' rights, promoting access to education and healthcare, and reducing inequalities.
ENSURE GLOBAL LEADERSHIP AND COLLABORATION
Sustainable Europe seeks to play a leading role in promoting sustainability on the global stage, by collaborating with other countries and international organizations to address global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.
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FOCUS
Sustainable Europe is focusing on several key themes in order to promote sustainability, reduce environmental impact, and support economic and social development. These themes include:
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CLIMATE ACTION
Sustainable Europe recognizes the urgent need to address climate change and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This involves promoting the use of renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and transitioning to low-carbon transport systems.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Sustainable Europe aims to shift towards a circular economy, where resources are kept in use for as long as possible and waste is minimized. This involves promoting sustainable production and consumption patterns, improving waste management, and encouraging the reuse, repair, and recycling of products and materials.
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BIODIVERSITY AND NATURE PROTECTION
Sustainable Europe recognizes the importance of protecting biodiversity and natural ecosystems, which provide essential services such as clean air and water, pollination, and soil fertility. This involves protecting and restoring natural habitats, promoting sustainable forestry and agriculture practices, and reducing the impact of human activities on ecosystems.
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SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
Sustainable Europe recognizes the importance of promoting sustainable food systems, which ensure food security, support rural development, and reduce the impact of agriculture on the environment. This involves promoting sustainable farming practices, improving food labeling and traceability, and reducing food waste.
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SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT
Sustainable Europe aims to promote sustainable transport systems, which reduce emissions, improve air quality, and support economic and social development. This involves promoting low-carbon transport modes such as public transport, cycling, and walking, and transitioning to electric and other low-emission vehicles.
ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
EUROPEAN GREEN WEEK
This is an annual event organized by the European Commission to promote environmental sustainability and raise awareness about environmental issues. The event includes conferences, workshops, and exhibitions, and brings together stakeholders from across Europe to discuss and showcase best practices in environmental sustainability.
EUROPEAN MOBILITY WEEK
This is an annual campaign organised by the European Commission to promote sustainable mobility and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The event includes activities such as car-free days, cycling events, and public transport promotions, and aims to raise awareness about the benefits of sustainable transport.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY WEEK
This is an annual event organised by the European Commission to promote sustainable energy and raise awareness about energy efficiency and renewable energy. The event includes conferences, exhibitions, and other activities, and brings together stakeholders from across Europe to discuss and showcase best practices in sustainable energy.
EUROPEAN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT WEEK
This is an annual initiative that aims to promote sustainable development and raise awareness about the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The event includes a range of activities such as workshops, seminars, and public awareness campaigns, and brings together stakeholders from across Europe to discuss and promote sustainable development.
GREEN CITIES FOR A SUSTAINABLE EUROPE
This is a European Commission initiative that aims to promote sustainable urban development and support the transition to low-carbon, resource-efficient cities. The initiative includes a range of activities such as city-level partnerships, technical assistance, and capacity building, and aims to promote best practices in sustainable urban development.
PROGRAMS
INITIATIVES
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EUROPEAN GREEN DEAL
The European Green Deal is a comprehensive plan to make the EU's economy more sustainable and reduce its carbon footprint. The plan includes policies and initiatives related to climate change, circular economy, biodiversity, and sustainable food systems, among others.
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HORIZON EUROPE
Horizon Europe is the EU's flagship research and innovation program, which aims to support research and innovation projects that promote sustainable development and address global challenges such as climate change, energy transition, and resource efficiency.
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LIFE PROGRAM
The LIFE Program is the EU's funding instrument for the environment and climate action. The program provides financial support for projects that promote environmental sustainability, nature conservation, and climate action.
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COHESION POLICY:
Cohesion Policy is the EU's main investment policy, which aims to reduce economic and social disparities between EU regions and promote sustainable development. The policy provides funding for projects related to infrastructure, research and innovation, education and training, and social inclusion, among others.
ERASMUS+
Erasmus+ is the EU's program for education, training, youth, and sport. The program supports projects that promote environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and intercultural dialogue, among other objectives.
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EU EMISSIONS TRADING SYSTEM (EU ETS)
The EU ETS is a cap-and-trade system designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector and energy-intensive industries. The system places a cap on emissions and allows companies to trade emission allowances, which incentivizes companies to reduce their emissions.
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FUNDING
1EUROPEAN STRUCTURAL AND INVESTMENT FUNDS (ESIF)
ЕThe ESIF is a funding program that supports economic and social development in EU regions. The program provides funding for projects related to sustainable development, innovation, education, training, and social inclusion.
HORIZON EUROPE
Horizon Europe is the EU's flagship research and innovation program, which provides funding for research and innovation projects related to sustainable development and global challenges, such as climate change and energy transition.
LIFE PROGRAM
The LIFE Program is the EU's funding instrument for the environment and climate action, which provides financial support for projects that promote environmental sustainability, nature conservation, and climate action.
EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK (EIB)
The EIB is the EU's financing institution, which provides loans and other financial assistance for sustainable infrastructure projects, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable transport.
CHRONOLOGY
2000г.
The European Union adopts the Sustainable Development Strategy, which sets out a framework for promoting sustainable development in the EU.
2007г.
The EU establishes the European Environment Agency (EEA) to provide scientific and technical support for environmental policy development and implementation.
2009г.
The EU adopts the Europe 2020 Strategy, which sets out a vision for a smart, sustainable, and inclusive economy in the EU.
2015г.
The UN adopts the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a global agenda for sustainable development that includes 17 goals and 169 targets.
2018г.
The EU adopts the Circular Economy Package, a set of policies and measures designed to promote circular economy practices and reduce waste in the EU.
2019г.
The EU adopts the European Green Deal, a comprehensive plan to make the EU's economy more sustainable and reduce its carbon footprint.
2020г.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupts global economies and societies, highlighting the importance of sustainable development and the need for resilient and sustainable systems.
2021г.
The EU adopts the Climate Law, which sets a target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and establishes a framework for achieving this goal.
2021г.
The EU adopts the Biodiversity Strategy, a comprehensive plan to protect and restore biodiversity in the EU and promote sustainable food systems.
Ursula von der Leyen
President of the European Commission
The European Green Deal is our roadmap for making the EU's economy sustainable. It is an ambitious, long-term plan that will transform the way we produce and consume, live and work, and move around."
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Virginijus Sinkevičius, European Commissioner for Environment
"We need to shift towards a circular economy model, where waste is minimised and resources are used in a more sustainable way, in order to achieve the sustainability goals of the European Green Deal."
![20230508172638_[fpdl.in]_natural-wood-hardwood-charcoal-close-up_185193-91469.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a9ac33_9adf8c88676c43f08cef30db61e8a9cc~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_63,h_95,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/a9ac33_9adf8c88676c43f08cef30db61e8a9cc~mv2.jpg)
Pascal Canfin
Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
"The EU has a unique opportunity to lead the way towards a sustainable and just future, with ambitious policies and investments that support a green and digital recovery from the pandemic."
![20230508205433_[fpdl.in]_natural-wood-hardwood-charcoal-black-background_185193-91475.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a9ac33_661346a7a4ae447583ac284f45ac2e0f~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_291,h_127,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/a9ac33_661346a7a4ae447583ac284f45ac2e0f~mv2.jpg)
Iskra Mihaylova
Vice President of the "Renew Europe" group in the European Parliament
"As rapporteur of the Multiannual Financial Framework for the next 7 years, I was able to put the concept of sustainability and the European Green Deal at the heart of the European Union's budget. The European Union must ensure that it funds policies that are environmentally sound, socially just and economically viable. The Green deal and the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan are our road map for a resilient and sustainable future. We need to ensure that the budget is allocated to initiatives that are in line with these goals so that we can meet the challenges of the 21st century."
![20230508205433_[fpdl.in]_natural-wood-hardwood-charcoal-black-background_185193-91475.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a9ac33_661346a7a4ae447583ac284f45ac2e0f~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_64,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/a9ac33_661346a7a4ae447583ac284f45ac2e0f~mv2.jpg)
USEFUL LINKS
European Commission: The official website of the European Commission provides information on the EU's policies and initiatives related to sustainable development, as well as reports, studies, and data on sustainability issues. https://ec.europa.eu/info/topics/sustainable-development-goals_en
European Environment Agency: The European Environment Agency (EEA) provides independent and reliable information on the environment in Europe, including data, assessments, and indicators on a wide range of sustainability topics. https://www.eea.europa.eu/
EU Climate Action: The EU Climate Action website provides information on the EU's climate policies and initiatives, as well as resources for citizens, businesses, and policymakers to take action on climate change. https://ec.europa.eu/clima/home_en
Sustainable Europe Investment Plan: The Sustainable Europe Investment Plan aims to mobilize public and private investment to support the transition to a climate-neutral, circular, and digitalized economy in the EU. The website provides information on the plan and its implementation. https://ec.europa.eu/info/publications/sustainable-europe-investment-plan_en
The Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy: The Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy is a network of local and regional authorities committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and increasing their resilience to climate change. The website provides resources and tools for local authorities to develop and implement sustainable energy and climate action plans. https://www.covenantofmayors.eu/
LIFE Programme: The LIFE Programme is the EU's funding instrument for the environment and climate action. The website provides information on the programme and its projects, as well as resources for applicants and beneficiaries. https://ec.europa.eu/easme/en/life
Sustainable Development Goals Knowledge Platform: The Sustainable Development Goals Knowledge Platform is a UN website that provides information and resources on the Sustainable Development Goals, including case studies, data, and tools.
European Sustainable Development Week: The European Sustainable Development Week is an annual initiative that aims to promote sustainable development across Europe. Their website contains information on events, activities, and resources related to sustainable development.
UN Environment Programme: The UN Environment Programme is a UN agency that promotes sustainable development and environmental protection. Their website contains information on a wide range of environmental issues, including those related to sustainable development.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation: The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is a non-profit organization that promotes the transition to a circular economy. Their website contains resources, case studies, and tools related to circular economy.
Climate Action Network Europe: Climate Action Network Europe is a network of NGOs working on climate and energy issues in Europe. Their website contains information on climate policies and campaigns in Europe.