Europe’s top environmental official has accused national leaders of political cowardice in the face of escalating climate threats, warning that hesitation and short-termism are paralysing the EU’s green agenda at a critical juncture.
Wopke Hoekstra, the European Commissioner for Climate Action, issued the stark rebuke during a press briefing in Brussels, days after European heads of state failed to endorse tougher climate targets ahead of the next United Nations climate summit. Hoekstra said governments were retreating from commitments out of fear of voter backlash, particularly in the face of rising populist and anti-green sentiment across the continent.
“This is not about lacking solutions or tools,” Hoekstra declared. “It is about lacking the courage to act.”
His comments come amid growing concern that Europe’s once-vaunted leadership on climate is slipping. While the EU has committed to cutting emissions by 55% by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050, implementation has slowed, and several key policies—including carbon pricing and sustainable agriculture reforms—have faced intense resistance from both member states and industry groups.
Hoekstra pointed to recent backtracking on diesel phase-outs, watered-down building efficiency targets, and delays to new nature restoration laws as signs that climate ambition is giving way to political expedience. He warned that without decisive action, Europe risks not only missing its own climate goals but also undermining its global credibility.
Part of the problem, he argued, lies in the growing influence of far-right parties, many of which have capitalised on the cost-of-living crisis to stoke resentment towards green policies. At the same time, centrist leaders are increasingly reluctant to push ambitious measures that might inflame rural and industrial constituencies ahead of upcoming national elections.
Hoekstra’s intervention has reignited debate within the EU over whether climate leadership can survive shifting political winds. While some officials have welcomed his honesty, others see the outburst as politically risky ahead of key negotiations on climate finance and industrial competitiveness.
Despite the tensions, Hoekstra insisted the Commission remains committed to the Green Deal. “The science is unambiguous. The economics are compelling. What’s missing is the spine,” he said, urging EU leaders to “stop outsourcing courage” and start delivering.
REFH – newshub finance
