Far-Right Group Gains Influence Over EU's Climate Policy

The far-right Patriots for Europe group has secured a pivotal role in shaping the European Union's next climate target, marking a significant shift in the bloc's climate diplomacy. Five officials and lawmakers confirmed that the group will lead negotiations on the EU's 2040 emissions-cutting milestone, a responsibility typically held by rapporteurs from major political factions.
The Patriots, which includes parties like France's National Rally, Italy's Lega, and Hungary's Fidesz, have long opposed the EU's climate policies. Their chair, Jordan Bardella, has called for the suspension of the bloc's Green Deal, raising concerns about their approach to the upcoming talks.
The group's rise to this influential position reflects its growing power within the European Parliament. Rapporteurships are allocated through a point-based system, where larger factions gain more influence. As the parliament's third-largest faction, the Patriots outbid other groups to secure the role, signaling a potential realignment of priorities in EU climate discussions.
This development underscores the evolving political dynamics within the EU, with far-right voices gaining unprecedented influence over critical policy decisions.

Published: 7/9/2025