Major expert survey marks European Green Deal as ‘resilient but facing challenges’

A recent survey of over 300 sustainability experts from the EU and beyond reveals that the European Green Deal, the European Union’s comprehensive strategy to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, remains resilient but faces significant challenges. The survey, conducted by the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP), and supported by the One Planet Network, provides insights into the progress and future trajectory of the EU’s environmental policies ahead of the 2024 EU elections.

Resilience Amid Political Change

Ahead of EU elections which will reshape the European Parliament alongside new terms for the European Commission to follow, the survey gathered opinions of over 300 experts in Europe and beyond, with a majority predicting the European Green Deal will show moderate resilience following the upcoming elections. Despite concerns that the Deal might be weakened in future, 53% of respondents are confident that its core agenda will remain unchanged. Optimism about the elections’ impact on the Green Deal is limited, with only 7% expecting a positive outcome.

Mixed Progress Across Key Areas

The survey highlights varied progress across different aspects of the Green Deal. The Nature Restoration Law, aimed at biodiversity recovery, is viewed positively, with 67% of experts anticipating moderate to full impact. Conversely, experts are divided on the EU's climate targets, with 47% considering the 2040 goals sufficient, while 43% disagree.

In terms of social justice, nearly half of the experts (45%) rate progress on ensuring a just transition as poor. This area is seen as a critical priority for the Commission post-2024. Similarly, the transition to a sustainable food and farming system has been slow, with 75% of experts citing insufficient progress since 2019.

Energy Sector: A Bright Spot

One of the more optimistic findings relates to the energy sector. Over a third (34%) of experts acknowledge good progress in supplying decarbonised, affordable, and secure energy. However, concerns remain about consumer protection, with only 10% believing the current Electricity Market Reform offers substantial protection against future energy crises or price spikes.

Global Impact and Future Outlook

The survey underscores the global significance of the European Green Deal, with 69% of experts affirming its positive external impact beyond the EU’s borders. Nearly all non-EU experts agree that the Deal’s implementation will influence global sustainability efforts.