Berlin/Brussels – Czech Eurocommissioner Jozef Síkela has expressed opposition to the climate plans proposed by European Commission chairwoman Ursula von der Leyen in a letter addressed to her. This was reported by Der Spiegel, which has obtained the letter. The Commission has recommended a binding climate target of a 90 percent reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 2040 compared to 1990 levels, despite hesitations from certain member states, including the Czech Republic. In his letter, Síkela pointed out that the ambitious EU climate policy must rely on widespread political backing and economic feasibility, or risk undermining the EU’s cohesion.
As noted by Der Spiegel, while Síkela endorsed the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 in his correspondence, he raised “serious concerns” regarding the proposed 2040 target. “Our proposal must reflect economic and social realities and garner broad political and public acceptance among member states. Currently, this is not achieved,” Síkela is quoted as saying. The Czech Eurocommissioner oversees international partnerships within the European Commission.
Síkela remarked to Czech reporters in Brussels that the timing of the Commissioners’ discussion coincided with the UN conference in Seville, the most significant global development summit in a decade. He explained that he felt compelled to address his colleagues in a letter that encapsulated the intense negotiations his team undertook regarding this initiative.
In his letter, Síkela stressed the importance of enhancing Europe’s competitiveness. He asserted that climate goals should not jeopardize energy security, stating, “The fight against high energy prices must remain one of our primary objectives.” He reaffirmed his support for measures aimed at achieving EU climate neutrality but cautioned about the political risks inherent in enforcing the 90 percent emissions reduction target without adequate consensus among member states.
According to sources from ČTK, parliamentary elections are set to occur in the Czech Republic in early October, and the Commission’s proposal could be evaluated just prior, during the September EU environment ministers’ meeting. Members of the largest Europarliamentary faction, the European People’s Party (EPP), to which von der Leyen belongs, have indicated that introducing a new target at this time could be politically perilous, potentially becoming a campaign issue in both the Czech Republic and the Netherlands, where elections are scheduled for October 29. This could significantly bolster populist parties in both nations. (July 4)
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