Climate activists and the renewable energy lobby have largely praised Ursula von der Leyen’s selection of commissioners, including Wopke Hoekstra, Dan Jørgensen, and Teresa Ribera, as signaling a continuation of the Green Deal in her second term. The appointment of Hoekstra as EU climate commissioner, Jørgensen as energy commissioner, and Ribera as executive vice-president in charge of a clean transition has been seen as a positive step towards advancing environmental policies.
The trio has been referred to as a “dream team” by some, with high hopes for their ability to push forward the Green Deal and navigate geopolitical pressures and trade tensions. Additionally, the combination of portfolios, such as Hoekstra’s role in both climate and taxation policy, has raised hopes for aligning taxation initiatives with the polluter pays principle.
Jørgensen’s dual role as energy commissioner and housing commissioner has also been praised for its potential to drive substantial renovations in the inefficient building sector, reducing energy bills and housing costs. The renewable energy industry has welcomed von der Leyen’s push for an electrification action plan and tax reforms to incentivize clean energy.
While some remain skeptical about the new commission’s commitment to climate action, particularly regarding potential concessions to big polluters, many are optimistic about the direction set by von der Leyen’s commissioner picks. The acid test for the new team will come next year when Hoekstra will propose a 2040 emissions reduction target, with expectations for a drastic cut of 90% below 1990 levels.
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