Ahead of the vote on an urgent procedure requested by Renew, S&D and the Greens/EFA, the ECR Group made clear it opposes any attempt to fast-track the Commission’s highly controversial 2040 emissions target.

Speaking during the plenary debate on the European Climate law in Strasbourg, ECR Environment Coordinator Alexandr Vondra sharply criticised the proposed 90 per cent reduction, calling it both unrealistic and unsupported by credible impact assessments:

“This proposal is flawed from beginning to end. There is no credible impact assessment, no technological or financial pathway to reach such a target, and no legal basis for interfering with Member States’ energy mix. It ignores reality and undermines trust.”

He warned that the far-reaching nature of the target would have serious implications for Europe’s industrial and defence capabilities.

“What steel will we use to produce tanks? Chinese or Turkish steel? What chemicals will we use for ammunition? What aluminium for aircraft? Europe’s security and competitiveness are at stake.”

Vondra also questioned the proposed flexibility mechanisms, stating:

“The proposals for flexibility are just green colonialism because they will benefit wealthy countries such as the Netherlands and Germany, as well as large multinational corporations. Poor countries and small companies will pay for it.”

Finally, he urged the Commission to reconsider its approach.

“No one is forcing us to pass this law – only our own ideological delusions, which make us a laughing stock for America and China. The smart thing to do would be to drop it.”

The ECR Group continues to support pragmatic climate action based on realism, technological progress and respect for national competencies.