Von der Leyen’s Climate Dilemma

The era of the European Green Deal’s rapid-fire legislative output, which defined the 2019–2021 period, has effectively concluded. While public anxiety over natural disasters remains high—with environmental concerns ranking third in recent French polling—the European Parliament is increasingly polarized. Far-right factions are actively pushing to dismantle existing environmental mandates, leaving the Commission trapped in a defensive posture.

Legislative momentum has slowed to a crawl. Beyond existing commitments on carbon pricing and vehicle emissions, Brussels is pivoting toward incrementalism. Reports suggest von der Leyen will propose a Water Act to address worsening droughts, though industry lobbying threatens to dilute its impact before it reaches the floor. Similarly, a planned October initiative on climate resilience is expected to emphasize national preparation rather than structural transformation. For now, the push for systemic change has been replaced by a quiet retreat, signaling that the ambitious environmental agenda of the last term is being traded for political survival.