European climate policy is at an important juncture: While some actors call previously agreed climate action repeatedly into question, the EU is seeking to balance climate ambition with economic, social, and geopolitical priorities, allowing for a higher degree of flexibilities.  

At the same time, Europe has shown that it can deliver under pressure – from joint loans for Ukraine to coordinated industrial investments to the adoption of an EU climate target of 90% until 2040. Among many member states, the will for more cohesive policymaking is growing. Against this backdrop, the panel will discuss how climate action can remain part of the new political reality and gain new momentum. 

Questions

• What is the current state of EU climate policy, and what is the strategic vision that drives it? 
• How can climate action be framed as a driver of Europe’s resilience in an era of geopolitical uncertainty? Might concrete success stories foster public and political momentum in climate action? 
• How can civil society help maintain ambitious climate targets while building broader coalitions with public and private stakeholders in a new political landscape? 

Speakers

• Thomas Kralinski, Director General for National and European Climate Action, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Protection, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN)
• Faustine Bas-Defossez, Policy Director for Nature, Health and Environment, European Environmental Bureau (EEB)
• Niels Schuster, Policy Assistant to the Director-General, DG Clima