Denmark warns EU not to stop green transition
The climate minister of Denmark said that European nations must not stop the green transition on the continent. His country is preparing to lead EU negotations over a new climate goal amid backlash from governments worried about its costs.
Next week, the European Commission will propose a new climate target for 2040 that will reduce EU emissions by 90 percent compared to 1990 levels. However, countries such as Poland and France are concerned that this goal is too ambitious.
Lars Aagaard is the energy and climate minister of Denmark. He said that in an interview, short-term problems, such as budgets stretched due to increased military spending, must not distract Europe from its need to switch to renewable energy.
"The solution to Europe's competiveness is to use electricity more often." We can do it ourselves. We can do it with renewable energy. "We can do it using nuclear power", Aagaard said.
He added: "It is not a solution to the climate problem, nor a security issue, if we stop the (green) transformation in Europe."
In July, Denmark will assume the rotating six-month presidency of the EU and lead the negotiations for the 2040 target. This comes at a moment when Europe is increasing its defence spending after Russia's invasion on a large scale in Ukraine.
Aagaard cited geopolitical tensions as a reason for the "grim" background of the EU's green transformation and race to rearm.
"It is not a reason to celebrate that Europe must re-arm militarily. We are under threat. It's not just a way to celebrate. "Climate change is also a serious issue," he added.
This year, the European Union has reversed a number of green policies in an effort to control reactions from member nations and struggling industries regarding environmental regulations.
The 2040 target will keep EU countries on course between their 2030 emission targets and a net zero 2050 goal. (Reporting Isabelle Yr Carlsson; additional reporting by Kate Abnett, editing by Aidan Lewis).
(source: Reuters)
