EU Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Addresses Challenges of Europe's Green Transition

Virginijus Sinkevičius, the European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, has spoken about the challenges facing Europe's green transition, which he describes as a "marathon." Sinkevičius acknowledges that the environmental priority seems to have taken a back seat in recent discussions among French President Macron and Belgian Prime Minister Dijsselbloem, but emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that ensures the competitiveness of European businesses while addressing environmental concerns.

Sinkevičius also addresses the growing skepticism among the public about the effects of green policies, and stresses the importance of taking future-oriented decisions despite pressure from outside.

Finally, he notes that member states and the European Parliament are still actively involved in environmental policy discussions, despite calls for a moratorium on certain texts.

The European Commissioner for the Environment, Virginius Sinkevicius, has highlighted the positive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the EU's energy policies.

The pandemic has pushed the EU to look for alternatives to uncertain and undemocratic regimes, leading to the adoption of renewable energy projects at an astonishing speed.

However, when it comes to biodiversity policies, Sinkevicius emphasized the need to ensure that foresters, fishers, and farmers can continue to work sustainably in the long term.

He expressed optimism that the circular economy and environmental files are moving ahead swiftly, and highlighted the completion of the climate package and the "Fit for 55" package as major achievements.

Sinkevicius also mentioned the changes in product policy, which will be unrecognizable, and the conclusion of the battery file as significant achievements.

However, he noted that the Green Deal is a complex horizontal change that requires further work.