"The Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's needs, but not every man's greed."
— Mahatma Gandhi
This quote starkly contrasts the nationalist and industrialist sabotage of climate policy seen today. It reminds us that the betrayal of collective climate responsibility is nothing new—just greed in a new uniform.
"Climate Sabotage in Strasbourg: How Europe’s Right-Wing Bloc is Selling Out the Planet"
By Adaptation-Guide Editorial Team
While the world burns, Europe’s conservative bloc is playing politics with the planet's future.
A heated battle erupted this week in the European Parliament over the adoption of the EU’s 2040 climate target — a proposal that would slash CO₂ emissions by 90% compared to 1990 levels.
The timing was crucial: the aim was to finalize the law before the next global climate summit in Belém, Brazil, this November.
But the conservative European People's Party (EPP), along with far-right nationalists, had other plans.
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t just procedural bickering. This was climate obstructionism at its most dangerous.
The Facts: What Happened
The European Commission unveiled its proposal for the 2040 climate goal just last week.
It included a modest loophole: up to 3% of the reductions could come from climate projects in third countries.
Even with that, the bill was a bold — but necessary — step toward climate neutrality.
To speed things up, Social Democrats, Greens, and Liberals pushed for a fast-track procedure.
If passed, it would have ensured the legislation was adopted before the November COP conference in Brazil — a symbolic and strategic milestone for the EU’s credibility on climate action.
But on Wednesday in Strasbourg, the EPP closed ranks and voted against the fast-track — almost unanimously.
They were joined by the far-right “Patriots for Europe,” a group that includes Austria’s Freedom Party (FPÖ) and Marine Le Pen’s Rassemblement National.
Together, they killed the momentum. The proposal failed.
What This Really Means: A Slow Death for Climate Policy
The EPP’s move wasn’t just obstruction. It was calculated sabotage. The same far-right bloc now controls the parliamentary reporting on the law, giving them the power to delay and water down the legislation until it becomes meaningless.
Their strategy is clear: stall the process long enough to prevent any EU position from being finalized before COP Belém.
Why?
Because they don't want Europe leading on climate.
They want to protect fossil fuel interests, big agriculture, and extractive industries.
And they’re willing to ally with extremists to do it.
Who’s Calling It Out
Social Democrat MEP Tiemo Wölken didn’t mince words:
“The EPP has clearly shown that climate targets and the fight against the climate crisis are no longer a priority for them. They are knowingly working with far-right extremists to sabotage climate laws instead of seeking democratic consensus.”
Green MEP Michael Bloss went further:
“What the Christian Democrats did today is scandalous, irresponsible, and unforgivable. This could bury the EU’s climate goals or shelve them indefinitely.”
He’s right. This isn’t politics as usual. This is a coordinated attack on the last, fragile scaffolding holding up Europe’s climate credibility.
What the EPP Says (and Why It’s Hollow)
Peter Liese, a CDU MEP, tried to downplay the backlash:
“The Patriots for Europe don’t have free rein. We can always initiate a new fast-track after the summer break.”
Translation? We’re gambling with time and hoping the Council makes the law more 'industry-friendly' — maybe then we’ll play along.
It’s a classic stall-and-sellout tactic. Delay now, water it down later, and pretend nothing is broken.
The Bigger Picture: Europe's Right-Wing Has Declared War on Nature
This isn’t just about one vote. This is about a deepening alliance between mainstream conservatives and the far-right — united by climate denial, economic short-termism, and a hostility to science-based policy.
The "Patriots for Europe" are climate saboteurs. Their vision for the continent is one where fossil fuels keep flowing, industries pollute with impunity, and climate migrants are treated as threats rather than victims. The fact that the EPP — once the respectable face of European conservatism — is willing to work with them should terrify anyone who cares about the future.
They are killing the Green Deal piece by piece. First with “concerns over farmers,” then with “industry competitiveness,” and now with bureaucratic delays that will leave Europe silent in Belém — while the Amazon burns and the Global South demands answers.
This Is Not Neutrality — It’s Negligence
The EPP is not “balancing interests.” They’re sacrificing long-term survival for short-term votes. They’re enabling the exact forces — the Le Pens, the Orbáns, the Melonis — that would dismantle the entire European project of sustainability, democracy, and human rights.
When the forests die, when the floods come, when another heatwave claims thousands — remember this vote. Remember the Christian Democrats standing shoulder to shoulder with extremists. Remember their silence while the window to act slammed shut.
The Fight Isn’t Over — But the Clock Is Ticking
Without fast-track approval, the 2040 climate law might still pass before November. But only if the Council and Parliament can agree in record time. Given the current dynamics, that’s a big “if.”
Every delay makes action harder. Every compromise makes the goal weaker. And every alliance with the far right makes the EU’s soul a little more rotten.
The time for politeness is over. Call it what it is: a betrayal of the planet by Europe's conservative elite.
Sources:
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[European Parliament Proceedings – Strasbourg, July 2025]
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This is your future. Don’t let them burn it.
Sincerely,
Adaptation-Guide
