Jordan Bardella, president of the French right-wing party National Rally, is set to send a letter to European People’s Party (EPP) president Manfred Weber, urging a joint effort to suspend the European Green Deal.
Bardella, who leads the Patriots for Europe group in the European Parliament, aims to gather support from across the political spectrum to block or revise the controversial environmental policies.
The letter, expected to be sent soon, will also be addressed to leaders of other right-wing groups, including René Aust and Stanisław Tyszka of the Europe of Sovereign Nations and Mateusz Morawiecki of the European Conservatives and Reformists. Bardella has been vocal about his opposition to the EU’s ban on new gasoline and diesel car sales by 2035, calling for the repeal of this measure and a review of other restrictions tied to the Green Deal.
Bardella’s push to halt the Green Deal follows the economic policies championed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which he claims are more attractive for businesses. “The halt of the Green Deal is a reaction to the incredibly attractive measures that Donald Trump is implementing for the economy and businesses (in the U.S.),” Bardella said.
The European Green Deal, once touted as a major environmental initiative, has faced increasing scrutiny. Concerns have emerged from various lawmakers, including those in the EPP, who worry it could hinder economic growth. The EPP caused controversy in November 2024 by siding with the right-wing to weaken rules on deforestation.
Fabrice Di Vizio, a European Parliament member from National Rally, stated that both Patriots for Europe and the European Conservatives and Reformists back the suspension of the Green Deal. He also noted that even the more moderate members of the EPP are beginning to question the deal’s impact.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk recently called for a “complete and very critical review” of the Green Deal laws, citing high energy prices and competitiveness issues. Other prominent EPP figures, including Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and potential future German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have echoed similar concerns.
This movement in Europe mirrors one of Donald Trump’s early decisions during his presidency, when he ordered the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement.
