The European Green Party’s lead candidate Terry Reintke is positioning her party as the solution to combating right-wing forces trying to dilute climate action in the upcoming European elections. Reintke emphasized the importance of upholding the European Green Deal, aimed at making the EU the first climate-neutral continent. She criticized the center-right European People’s Party for attempting to weaken the Green Deal in response to protests from farmers and called for reshuffling agricultural subsidies to prioritize ecological and social standards over farm size.
Reintke highlighted the Green Deal as crucial for securing Europe and maintaining its industrial competitiveness. She emphasized the need for renewable energy sources to reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports from Russia and ensure Europe’s energy security. By investing in clean technologies such as green hydrogen and batteries, the Green Deal is seen as the only way for Europe to compete with major global players like China and the US. Reintke also referenced the Inflation Reduction Act in the US and its impact on European industries, prompting the EU to introduce its counter-proposals to stay competitive.
The Greens’ platform is presented as a defense against right-wing backlash threatening democracy, the rule of law, and freedom in Europe. Reintke urged citizens to choose progressive, future-oriented policies by voting for the Greens in the European Parliament elections. While acknowledging the accomplishments of Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, Reintke criticized her for losing momentum towards the end of her term, specifically targeting the Green Deal and Nature Restoration law. Despite this, von der Leyen pledged to continue supporting the Green Deal as a model for clean growth in her re-election campaign.
Regarding the conflict in the Middle East, Reintke supported putting pressure on Israel and suggested leveraging the EU-Israel Association Agreement to hold Tel Aviv accountable for its actions. She endorsed proposals from Ireland and Spain to use trade agreements to address security concerns and human rights violations in the region. The interview with Reintke is part of a series featuring the Spitzenkandidaten, with the full interview scheduled to air on Euronews on May 10. Overall, Reintke’s campaign focuses on promoting green policies, defending democracy, and advocating for a more sustainable and secure future for Europe.
