'Green economy means sustainability, gender balance and just treatment of all citizens': debate on the German Presidency of the EU Council

Greens co-president Satu Haapanen addressed the German Chancellor Angela Merkel in today’s debate on the German Presidency of the Council of the European Union as part of the 140th Plenary Session of the European Committee of Regions.

During her intervention, Ms Haapanen commented on the ongoing challenges that Europe is facing: the fight against climate change and the fight against COVID-19. She argued that the only solution is to tackle these challenges simultaneously through the Recovery Plan and the Green Deal while ensuring a Just Transition. To achieve this, commitment is needed from every city, region, Member State and the EU.

Ms Haapanen stated that the economy of Europe has to be transformed towards stopping climate change in a just and transparent way. ‘Green economy means sustainability, gender balance and just treatment of all citizens’, she argued. Green economy means helping people to re-educate themselves, creating jobs around renewable energies, services, digitalisation and circular economy. She emphasised the need for democracy and the Rule of Law for the just transition, and the statement of such as a precondition on acquiring any European funds. Finally, she mentioned the importance of quality education especially in the COVID-19 context, where the EU must guarantee that no one is left without education.

Ms Haapanen finished her intervention wishing ‘the future generations to be proud of today’s decision makers who stopped climate change and protected democracy and human rights even in the most difficult times’.