Inside the European Parliament: A Closer Look at the Political Groups Shaping EU Legislation
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Good to know
During the elections, you are going to vote for your national party and usually, they are also going to be part of one of the major European groups with representatives from different countries.
Learn more about your national parties and their current position in the European parliament!
What is the European Parliament
The European Parliament (EP) is one of the legislative bodies of the European Union (EU) and one of its seven institutions. It works alongside the Council of the European Union (also known as the Council) to adopt European legislation, following proposals made by the European Commission.
The European Parliament is composed of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who are organized into several political groups, each representing a spectrum of ideologies. These groups are not based on nationality but on political affiliation.
Here’s a brief overview of the major political groups:
- EPP – Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats)
- S&D – Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats
- Renew Europe – Renew Europe Group
- Greens/EFA – Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance
- ID – Identity and Democracy Group
- ECR – European Conservatives and Reformists Group
- The Left – Confederal Group of the European United Left/Nordic Green Left
- NI – Non-Inscrits” (Non-Attached Members)
Each group has its own set of core principles and policies, and they work together to influence legislation and policy within the European Union.
Overview of the major political groups
The Group of the European People’s Party (EPP) is a political group in the European Parliament composed of center-right and Christian-democratic parties from across the EU. It is one of the biggest and most influential groups in the Parliament, with 182 seats as of 2019 and Manfred Welbeg as its president. Hence, it holds the presidency of the European Parliament.
The 44 group’s members come from various European countries and represent a diverse range of political ideologies within the center-right spectrum. The EPP promotes European integration and cooperation while prioritizing issues such as economic growth, security, and stability.
Overall ideology
The EPP advocates for conservative and center-right policies, focusing on economic liberalism, social conservatism, a strong European Union, and sustainable development as their main values.
What are their environmental convictions?
The official EPP’s 2019 environmental vision called for a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050, prioritizing ambitious climate targets. To encourage the reduction of emissions, they backed carbon pricing, emissions trading, and sustainable economic policies. Their main goals included developing a circular economy, sustainable agriculture, and the shift to clean energy. Global leadership in sustainability, social considerations, and green innovation were also highlighted. In general, the EPP aimed to strike a balance between economic prosperity and climate action, placing a strong emphasis on social responsibility, innovation, and collaboration when addressing environmental issues.
The Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) represents the center-left. As a significant faction in the Parliament, it advocates for policies that focus on social justice, equality, and sustainability. With a focus on issues like workers’ rights, social protection, environmental sustainability, and inequality, the S&D group aims to promote a socially conscious Europe. Thus, social democratic, socialist, environmental, and labor parties from throughout the European Union are among their values. With Iratxe García Pérez as their president, the group’s members come from diverse national backgrounds and share a common goal of advancing policies to build a more equitable society.
Overall ideology
The S&D seeks to balance economic growth with social welfare, advocating for policies that protect vulnerable groups in society.
What are their environmental convictions?
S&D advocates for immediate action to combat climate change and envisions comprehensive environmental values centered on the Green Deal. Sustainable policies were highlighted, such as investments in clean energy, support for agriculture, and restoration of the environment. Prioritising a just transition, S&D struck a balance between social equity, environmental protection, and job preservation. They supported laws that set aggressive goals for reducing emissions, such as the European Climate Law and the Nature Restoration Law. In addition, they put forth a zero-pollution plan and attempted to harmonise fisheries and agriculture policies with climate goals. In order to achieve a sustainable and socially just future, they placed a strong emphasis on social cohesion and worked to enact environmental regulations in conjunction with the European Pillar of Social Rights.
Renew Europe supports policies that emphasize individual freedoms, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, alongside environmental sustainability and digital innovation. The group advocates for an open economy with fair competition, aiming for a balanced approach that fosters economic growth while ensuring social justice and protection for all citizens. Within the Parliament, it promotes a centrist agenda that aims to bridge the gap between the left and right. Renew Europe’s influence in discussions on EU governance includes areas such as the digital single market and climate change, advocating for reforms and regulation.
Overall ideology
The Renew Europe Group is a political group in the European Parliament representing a coalition of liberal, centrist, and pro-European parties from across the EU.
What are their environmental convictions?
Renew Europe’s environmental agenda emphasizes fulfilling the objectives of the Paris Agreement and promoting the shift to a society that is climate neutral by 2050. They underlined that in order to mainstream environmental and climate objectives and expedite the ecological transition, coherence across all EU policies is essential. Innovation, environmentally friendly sectors, and international climate leadership were given top priority by Renew Europe. They demanded bold legislation to increase emission reduction targets, such as an updated European Green Deal and an efficient Climate Law. They also stressed the need to preserve the environment, move toward a circular economy, and guarantee the quality of the air and water. Renew Europe promoted innovation, sustainable production, and renewable energy while attempting to incorporate environmental goals into trade, agriculture, and fisheries policies.
The Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance (Greens/EFA) is composed of green, regionalist, and minority parties from across the European Union. This group, with its 74 seats in 2019, is known for advocating for environmental protection, climate action, and sustainability, pushing for policies to combat climate change and preserve biodiversity. The Greens/EFA prioritise stances on social issues, including human rights, gender equality, and social justice, reflecting a commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive society, while also supporting a transition to renewable energy, sustainable transport, and a circular economy. The group emphasizes transparency, democracy, and civil liberties within the EU, advocating for citizen participation in European decision-making. Through its work in the European Parliament, the Greens/EFA seeks to influence EU policy and legislation towards sustainable and socially responsible directions.
Overall ideology
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What are their environmental convictions?
The Group’s environmental agenda aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees. They advocate for increased renewable energy targets, simplifying administrative processes for renewable projects, and promoting electric vehicles while opposing liquefied natural gas in transport. They also call for the end of free emissions allowances, integrating aviation and shipping emissions into the Emissions Trading System, and implementing a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism for imported goods. Additionally, they focus on addressing energy and transport poverty through the Social Climate Fund, supporting emissions reduction targets in forestry and land use, and advocating for stringent ecodesign requirements for vehicles, along with a ban on new petrol and diesel cars within the next decade.
Established in 2009, the ECR was founded on the principles of Eurorealism, advocating for EU reform, decentralization, and the respect of national sovereignty over deeper European integration. With its 62 seats, the group emphasizes free market economics, individual liberty, and reducing the power of the EU institutions in favor of giving more control back to member states. Accordingly, the ECR has advocated for the preservation of traditional values, stricter immigration laws, and a strong stance on law and order. The group actively engages in the legislative process to influence policies that align with its vision of a more flexible and decentralized European Union, despite its eurosceptic position.
Overall ideology
The European Conservatives and Reformists Group represents a political grouping of conservative, eurosceptic, and right-wing parties from across the European Union.
What are their environmental convictions?
The European Conservatives and Reformists prioritise initiatives like the EU’s Emission Trading Scheme to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while safeguarding European industries. ECR-led efforts focus on improving air quality through cross-border collaboration and setting stringent emissions ceilings. They address the illegal wildlife trade by outlining challenges and proposing solutions. In fisheries, they advocate for sustainable practices balancing environmental protection, consumer demand, and the livelihoods of fishermen. ECR stresses the importance of science and technology in farming and fishing for sustainable resource management. They aim to protect the environment while ensuring economic prosperity and food security.
The Identity and Democracy (ID) Group in the European Parliament is composed of nationalist and eurosceptic parties from the European Union (EU). Established in June 2019, following the Europe of Nations and Freedom (ENF) group, ID consists of parties that focus on national sovereignty and express concerns about the EU’s approach to federalism. ID advocates for a model where EU member states cooperate on an intergovernmental basis and seeks a reevaluation of powers between the EU and its member states.
Overall ideology
ID represents a perspective in the European Parliament that prioritizes the interests and sovereignty of individual nations, aiming for a more decentralized EU structure.
What are their environmental convictions?
On their website, they remain silent.
Established in 1995, the group focuses on reforms in the EU related to social justice, workers’ rights, environmental sustainability, and wealth redistribution. GUE/NGL emphasizes peace, democracy, solidarity, sustainable development, and a transition towards renewable energy. With 41 seats in the Parliament, GUE/NGL participates in policy discussions, aiming to influence EU policies in the direction of social, economic, and environmental considerations.
Overall ideology
The Left group consists of left-wing, socialist, communist, and anti-capitalist parties from the European Union.
What are their environmental convictions?
The Left emphasises environmental justice, advocating for nature conservation, protection of biodiversity, and strict regulation of toxic chemicals. They prioritise animal rights and welfare alongside sustainable agricultural and fisheries policies, emphasizing support for small communities. They scrutinise trade agreements like the EU-Chile AFA; they highlight concerns over environmental degradation, indigenous rights, and corporate interests. The Left currently calls for trade policies aligned with fairness, solidarity, and ecological integrity, rejecting deals favoring corporate profits over sustainability. They also focus on legislative efforts like the Nature Restoration Law, pushing for strong measures to restore ecosystems. They also address issues such as GMO authorisation and food price crises. They emphasize safety assessments, consumer choice, and fair pricing, advocating for policies benefiting both people and the planet.
Independent MEPs in the European Parliament, often referred to as non-attached members, are those who do not belong to any of the recognised political groups. They may choose to be independent for various reasons, such as differences in ideology or political strategy.
Inside the European Parliament: A Closer Look at the Political Groups Shaping EU Legislation
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We are looking for 20 participants who are interested in increasing their capacities to work on dealing with eco-anxiety in their organisation and environmental activism.
Practical information
Supported by the Council of Europe through the European Youth Foundation.
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Why are we doing this
We’re embarking on this journey to empower youth workers to deal with eco-anxiety and focus on the crucial issue of the interrelation between mental health and climate change. Eco-anxiety especially affects young people, who worry about not being able to live in a clean, healthy and sustainable future. Many times this hinders their capacity to be involved in advocacy efforts, as the fear overwhelms them and results in isolation from their community.
Through non-formal education methods, we will equip the participants with knowledge on eco-anxiety and mental health impacts of climate change, enabling them to take meaningful action on these issues in their own communities. We will create a platform for discussions, knowledge-sharing, and active participation, empowering participants to collectively learn about this important topic.
This study session is for you if:
- You are based in Greece, Italy, Armenia, Czechia, Norway, Sweden, Georgia, Serbia.
- You are between the ages of 18 - 35 at the time of the event.
- You are already engaged in environmental or/and youth work in your local community.
- You have experienced challenging emotions when you think about climate change and the future.
- You are searching for a safe space to share your experiences regarding the climate crisis and the way it affects your emotions.
- You are willing to learn and connect with others on the topic of eco-anxiety.
At the training, you will:
- Deepen your knowledge and understanding of the interrelation between mental health and climate change.
- Learn about what eco-anxiety is and why it is important to address it in environmental activism.
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of training methodologies and non-formal education techniques on the topic of eco-anxiety among youth.
- Learn and develop the necessary skills and foundational knowledge of eco-anxiety in order to include it in other youth training and help as many peers as possible.
- Have the chance to gain expertise on the topic, and participate in a workshop in July with our Member Organisations as a trainer.
Have questions? Get in touch!
Other upcoming events
Dealing with Eco-Anxiety | Training of Trainers
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Written by
Stina Joanna Gremme
Hanna Træland Rostøl
Contents
About UKY4N
UK Youth 4 Nature (UKY4N) is the leading UK youth movement calling for urgent action on the nature crisis, and they have been cherished members of YEE since 2022. UKY4N’s mission is to mobilise and empower young people to advocate for decisive action on biodiversity in the UK, emphasising the importance of protecting and restoring nature and wildlife to address the consequences and issues of climate change. March 14th marks the International Day of Action for Rivers, and we find this the perfect occasion to put the spotlight on UKY4N and its creative river projects.
Started in 2019 as a simple Whatsapp group with the mission of bringing nature into stronger focus within political discussions, UKY4N has rapidly evolved into an active organisation with a solid volunteer base all across the UK. The organisation has strategically focused its campaigning efforts on nature rather than climate issues and has today successfully positioned itself as a prominent advocate for biodiversity. We have met with co-director Ellen Bradley, to hear more about UKY4N’s creative campaigning and imaginative projects on rivers, hoping to inspire others to take action on this important topic!
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How can you help freshwater?
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Making waves for freshwater conservation
Freshwater ecosystems are the lifeblood of our planet. In the UK, around 3% of land is covered by freshwater and with an intricate network of 200,000 km of streams and rivers the freshwater ecosystems in the UK are of international importance. Thousands of lakes, ponds and ditches provide homes for diverse wildlife species, ranging from dragonflies to water voles. And yet, no rivers in England, Wales or Northern Ireland are considered to be in high ecological health, and in Scotland, as much as 92% of rivers do not meet these standards either.
Recently, freshwater systems gained more media focus on regulating sewage and plastic pollution, advancing freshwater protection. However, agricultural pollution, affecting 40% of all freshwater bodies in England, remains overlooked. In addition to that, targets for cleaning up waterways, such as the goal set for 2027, have been pushed back to 2063, giving the protection of freshwater systems in the UK an urgency that cannot be ignored.
With the campaign Not so Freshwater, UKY4N launched an awareness campaign giving agricultural pollution a much-needed spotlight. The goal is to cut the use of pesticides in half by 2023 as well as restore field margins and riverside ecosystems to reduce field run-off. Ellen emphasises creative campaigning to facilitate positive change, celebrating sustainable farmers and advocating for political action.
On the 23rd of May 2023, UKY4N was able to host a successful event, summoning a variety of politicians and NGOs. The Chemical Cocktail Bar was one of the highlights of the event, which received a big positive response and even more importantly, political attention. The concept behind the Chemical Cocktail Bar is simple, creative and yet effective. Cocktails, named after UK rivers like the Mersey and Thames, the bar creatively highlighted freshwater pollution. Presented as beautifully designed cocktail recipes, these cards added a lively touch with real added proof of the urgency of freshwater pollution, proving that campaigning for political change does not have to be boring or dry.
The event successfully brought together young people and politicians in a positive atmosphere, fostering constructive discussions on environmental challenges, as Ellen tells us. UKY4N maintained a balance of fun and passion, ensuring engagement while addressing urgent issues facing our natural world.
UKY4N offers practical guidance for individuals to make a difference in preserving freshwater systems, including a five-step guide for reducing pollution. Additionally, they provide a template for a letter to your regional Member of Parliament to advocate for improved chemical standards and freshwater regulation. Later this year, UKY4N will host The Senedd, an event in Wales, allowing young people to engage with Welsh politicians on nature and freshwater issues.
With its campaign Not So Freshwater and a creative, positive and fun approach UKY4N inspires us to get involved in the movement for cleaner waterways and a more sustainable future. Let yourself be inspired too!
Crafting change with creative campaigning
The fun and creative methods used in the Not So Freshwater project were not a one-off, but rather lie at the very heart of UKY4N’s approach to advocating for nature. Creative campaigning entails using creative and imaginative methods and employs artistic, cultural and interactive strategies to make an impact. Ellen tells us that the main goal of this approach is to get young people excited about an issue and encourage them to make a positive contribution, even if they are not experts on issues such as the environment, sustainability or politics. That way, different people can contribute in different ways, and that makes it more diverse and even more impactful!
Another example of UKY4N’s bold creative campaigning was in their project Nature Loss: Lines in the Sand. On March 23, 2022, a 50-metre drawing depicting biodiversity in Britain was created on Scarborough Beach, featuring four biologically significant species that are declining. This symbolic act aimed to address the alarming depletion of nature in the UK, urging authorities to prioritise conservation efforts. Their creative ways received public recognition and an international audience, and if you look at the pictures of this impactful mural it is easy to understand why!
UKY4N also regularly hosts workshops to introduce young people to creative campaigning, the next one to be held in Brighton on the 23rd of March 2024.
In addition, UKY4N is currently dedicating their time to work relating to the general elections coming up in the UK this year. With the voting turnout among people in the age between 18 to 24-years in the UK in 2019 reaching 47% (compared to over 74% in the group of over 65-year olds), getting young people more enthusiastic and interested in the election is a crucial issue. As Ellen shares with us, only 50% of young people in the UK think they learn sufficiently about politics in school, so another focus of UKY4N lies on knowledge-sharing and capacity-building on the voting system. In order to be able to navigate the different and sometimes confusing party manifestos, UKY4N explains each programme from relevant political parties for everyone to understand. The main reason for that is to underline the importance of casting your vote to support certain policies and causes, as they so aptly put it on their website, “[n]ature cannot vote in elections. But many of us can!” With important elections coming up across Europe this year, not to mention the European Parliament elections, this is something many of us can keep in mind!
And with that being said, it is easy to see the problems that unite us. UKY4N is tackling the problems of the depletion of nature in the UK, but we are seeing similar problems worldwide. Although freshwater ecosystems are so important to nature and human well-being, they are also the most threatened in the world. Since 1970 freshwater species have experienced an 83% decline – twice the rate experienced within terrestrial or marine sources. Let us therefore stand united on this International Day of Action for Rivers, and reflect on the importance each and every one of our actions plays in the protection of our water systems!
More about Biodiversity
Let’s first delve into how two of our member organisations UK Youth 4 Nature (UKY4N) and Jeugdbond voor Natuur en Milieu (JNM)
Many arthropod groups are not well understood or equally loved as other arthropod groups by the average European. One such group are
Have you ever wondered how the intricate relationship between insects, plants, and humans came to be? Let’s travel through time to uncover
Let’s look at some of these arthropods that are often hidden in plain sight
Dive into action with UK Youth4Nature | Members’ Spotlight
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We are looking for organisations and youth activists interested in increasing their capacities to work on the access to environmental rights of young people
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This study session is organised in cooperation with the Council of Europe.
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Why are we doing this
We’re embarking on this journey to amplify the youth perspective and influence within the Council of Europe while focusing on the crucial issue of the Right to a Healthy Environment recommendation.
By immersing ourselves in discussions on participation, human rights, and environmental protection, we aim to ensure that the voices of young people are integral in shaping policy recommendations, as well as to create a platform where your insights and contributions can drive tangible change, fostering a global community dedicated to environmental advocacy.
This study session is for you if:
- You and your sending organisation are based in one of the Council of Europe countries.
- You are between the ages of 18 - 35 at the time of the event.
- You have background in and are already actively engaged in environmental & human rights activism and youth work.
At the study session, you will:
- Deepen your knowledge and understanding of young people in the sphere of environmental rights and map ways of addressing environmental rights challenges in different realities.
- Be introduced to the CM/REC (2022)20 Recommendation (in relation to human rights and the protection of the environment) by reflecting on the nature, content and implications of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
- Map what is already being done, what needs to be improved, what needs to be started in relation to Recommendation and the different current realities.
- Develop your skills and knowledge in mobilising youth for the recognition of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment through advocacy, educational and policy frameworks.
- Work to create tools for young people and civil societies to understand and foster the recognition of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment as a human right.
Have questions? Get in touch!
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Right to Healthy Environment | Study session
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EU Marine Action Plan
More than a year since the EU Marine Action Plan was adopted, there is a critical need to ensure that both the European Commission and Member States are held accountable for its effective implementation. The success or failure of this initiative will hinge upon the national roadmaps to be submitted by each Member State by the end of March. The publication of these national roadmaps will be closely monitored, especially considering the tendency of Member State governments to oppose ocean protection matters, often favouring economic interests over environmental ones. This also became evident in the disappointing response of the European Parliament (EP) to the Communication, which rejected the majority of its content.
Youth and Environment Europe strongly supports the gradual phasing out of bottom trawling in all marine protected areas (MPAs) by 2030 as proposed in the Marine Action Plan. This would be in line with an agreement made between 196 countries, including the EU, during the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) to reach a 30% target of protected land and oceans by 2030 in a landmark agreement for the protection of biodiversity. The method of bottom trawling is notorious for its detrimental impact on marine ecosystems due to several reasons, one of which is significant by-catch, such as marine mammals, seabirds, and other fish species. Bottom trawling can also cause extensive damage to sensitive habitats, disrupting the balance of marine ecosystems and damaging biodiversity. Not least because of the use of bottom trawling, European seas are in a severe environmental crisis. The European Environment Agency recently reported that “almost all marine species groups appear to be in bad condition throughout Europe’s seas, with mixed recovery trends”.
The Parliament had a chance to advocate strongly for ocean conservation shortly before the elections and urge the EU Member States to align its fisheries with nature protection policies. They missed this opportunity: Their report on the Marine Action Plan takes a concerning stance towards the use of harmful fishing equipment, suggesting to continue using bottom trawling within MPAs. The European People’s Party (EPP) holds the view that the proposed ban of bottom trawling in MPAs puts the future of fishermen at risk, labelling the Action Plan “discriminatory”. While coastal communities and the impact of the Marine Action Plan on fishers must not be ignored, YEE believes that this pure focus on the economic impact is too short-sighted. The livelihoods of coastal communities ultimately depend on seas with good environmental status and healthy fish stocks, which can simply not be reconciled with the practice of bottom trawling in MPAs. We need cross-cutting and forward-thinking policymaking to address economic concerns in the fisheries sector alongside the climate and nature crises, including support to fishers in transitioning away from destructive fishing gear to minimise negative socio-economic effects.
As Youth Environment Europe, we call upon all EU Member States to commit promptly and effectively to implementation of the Marine Action Plan, and urge the Commission to conduct and publicly release science-based assessments of their national roadmaps. Furthermore, we demand that any identified weaknesses be addressed by Member States, and call for close monitoring and enforcement to ensure their timely implementation. Only through concerted effort and accountability can meaningful progress be made towards safeguarding our marine environment for future generations.
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More To Explore
EU Marine Action Plan
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A reflection of a INC-3 youth delegate.
Written by
Shellan Saling
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of YEE.
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The “Nairobi Spirit”
At the United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA 5, 2022) at the UNEP headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya Resolution 5/14 entitled “End plastic pollution: Towards an international legally binding instrument” was passed to start the process of the plastic pollution treaty.
This historic moment marked the beginning of what several major news organisations have called the most important environmental deal in all fields since the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. This paved the way for the establishment of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC) to develop “the instrument”, which is to be based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastic, including its production, design, and disposal” (UNEP) (See timeline below).
Five rounds of negotiations (INC) have been proposed for countries to come to an agreement and close negotiations by the end of 2024. This treaty will be the first-ever global agreement on addressing plastic pollution and aims to tackle the full life-cycle of plastic.
Plastics are currently one of the last unregulated industries contributing to the climate crisis and increased carbon emissions. Currently, 430 million metric tons of plastics are produced every year and without intervention, this could triple by 2060. The majority of plastic is neither recycled nor reused (UNDP). It follows that a plastics treaty is not only necessary for human health but also for future generations. This statistic was emphasized in the most recent negotiations (INC-3) in Nairobi, Kenya in November 2023.
Timeline of the INC Process
The third round (INC-3) was held from 13 to 19 November 2023 at the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. After countries voted to create a Zero Draft at INC-2. The Zero Draft was a collection of ideas and views from member states submitted during the international negotiations in INC-2. The draft was released during the inter-sessional period between INC-2 and INC-3, when countries began negotiating the Zero Draft version of the treaty. During a preparatory meeting for INC-3 on November 11th, Iran announced a low-ambition coalition with other gas-driven countries called the Global Coalition for Plastics Sustainability. There was very little to no mention of the coalition during the rest of the negotiations. Countries negotiated a specific text in three smaller groups called contact groups. Each group debated the following parts of the treaty:
Contact group 1: Part I and Part II of the Zero Draft
Contact group 2: Part III and IV
Contact group 3: Addressed elements not previously covered at previous INCs including principles, scope, and definitions.
While negotiations progressed throughout the week, the “Nairobi Spirit” died at the very last minute late on the last night of negotiations after contact group 3 could not come to a consensus on important intersessional work due to be completed between INC-3 and INC-4. Low-ambitious countries successfully used stalling tactics to threaten an ambitious treaty being drafted by the end of 2024 and aimed to be in place by 2025. While countries are eager to work and close negotiations by the end of 2024, there appear to be a lot of ideas for the treaty which are ultimately hindering progress.
More ideas than agreements after INC-3
The negotiations ended with more ideas than conclusions. During INC-3 the secretariat received over five hundred submissions from member states on the treaty. Due to the number of submissions at one point, some member states were arguing that their voices and inputs were not being heard. This led to threats by some states to quit negotiations.
The result was a revised draft expanded from thirty-one pages released after INC-2 to 71 pages. Some sections such as the scope have sixteen different options on text while several other options have four or more options. This was instead of a first draft that was expected after INC-3, a revised zero draft was released on December 26, 2023.
Low-ambitious, gas-driven countries such as Iran, Russia, and Saudi Arabia are arguing for a treaty focused on recycling, waste management and voluntary action, while other countries that are part of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution, co-chaired by Norway and Rwanda, are arguing for a treaty that focuses on global mandates by aiming at reducing plastic and targeting the full lifecycle of plastics. Along with more ideas, the lack of an agreement on intersessional work resulted in more setbacks.
The consequences of a lack of consensus
The initial timeline proposed important inter-sessional work which, as agreed at INC-2, should have happened between INC-3 and INC-4. This intersessional work was supposed to bring in experts on different technical and scientific topics related to plastics, finance, and implementation issues. Many of these topics would help delegates have a better understanding of what they are discussing and negotiating as well as different perspectives to fill in knowledge gaps.
This would have helped advance negotiations further at the upcoming INCs. At the last minute, the United States tried to reopen negotiations with Brazil agreeing to try to come to a consensus on work for the inter-sessional period (months between INC-3 and INC-4), but Russia and Saudi Arabia struck down the idea. After hearing member states’ opinions, the Chair decided not to reopen negotiations delaying hopes of progress towards an ambitious plastic reduction treaty.
An ambitious treaty threatened by lobbyists
As countries argue the direction of the treaty, several issues externally and internally towards an ambitious treaty remain. The treaty has gained attention from the fossil fuel and chemical industry. According to the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), “143 fossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists have registered to attend the third session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-3) to advance a global plastics treaty, gaining access to the negotiations at a time when the talks are entering a critical phase”. The article goes on to say this is a 36% increase from previous INCs.
The fossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists outnumbered the scientist coalition by over 100 people and 70 of the smallest member state delegations, and they will likely increase in the coming INCs. One of the potential solutions to preventing fossil fuel and chemical lobbyists from interfering with the negotiations would be to pass a Conflict of Interest Policy in the upcoming United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) or future meetings related to the plastics treaty such as the future Conference of Parties (COP). A Conflict of Interest Policy has been requested by several observers. By passing this policy it could prevent a weak treaty.
Lack of representation in the treaty
The treaty continues to lack representation from key groups impacted by plastics and the effects of plastic pollution in the revised Zero Draft text: its seventy-one pages only mention “Indigenous” twenty-eight times, while “youth” and “children” combined are only mentioned ten times. Other vulnerable groups such as women, waste pickers, and workers in plastic value chains are even mentioned less. There are several vulnerable groups not yet mentioned in the treaty such as the disabled (physically and visually-impaired), people of color, and displaced people. Also, the term vulnerable populations/groups remain undefined. This could cause problems during the implementation of the treaty, leaving certain groups at risk of the effects of plastic pollution and unable to benefit from the treaty.
Final thoughts and looking ahead
The UN Plastic Pollution Treaty faces an uphill battle to be completed by the end of 2024. It is still unknown if the treaty will focus more on waste management and recycling or reduction. Several important groups remain voiceless in a treaty critical for their health and livelihoods. The next two INCs are scheduled to be INC 4 in Ottawa, Canada in April and INC 5 in Busan, South Korea in November.
Many key elements of the treaty such as scope, definitions, and principles remain undecided, which will add to the additional challenge of cutting text and cementing a clearer direction the treaty will take. This will make it more challenging for member states to complete the negotiations by the end of 2024. If the treaty stays on schedule, the Diplomatic Conference will be held in 2025 to adopt it and for member states to sign. This would also be when a governing body will be established for future Conference of Parties (COP) to be held on the treaty.
INC-4 will be critical for countries to decide the direction the treaty will take. The secretariat will provide an update in February UNEA-6 on the status of the treaty. While history has shown it is not impossible, it is going to require total focus and compromises from member states to achieve a historic plastics treaty by the end of 2024.
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https://yeenet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1.png 675 675 Youth and Environment Europe https://yeenet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/logo-yee-728x1030.png Youth and Environment Europe2024-02-22 17:25:542024-02-23 13:06:00What are countries doing about plastic pollution?
40 h/ week
2800 EUR/month
EU/EUrope
Remote possible
Start 1st April 2024
YEE is seeking a Finance Manager
YEE is excited to announce the opening of a full-time Finance Manager (40 hours/week) from April 2024 to April 2025 (potential extension) to lead our Finance team.
Responsibilities include budgeting and financial planning, grant management, expense management, and team management. The selected candidate must have language proficiency in English (Czech language is a plus). Ideal candidates have experience in budgeting, grant management, nonprofit accounting, and strong communication skills.
Remuneration is 2 800 EUR/month gross salary.
Your responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and monitor annual budgets. Prepare forecasts and financial budgets to guide organisational decision-making.
- Prepare accurate and timely financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Present financial information to the Coordination team and the Board, offering insights and recommendations for strategic planning.
- Monitor grant budgeting and reporting processes to ensure compliance with funder requirements. Work closely with project managers and department managers to align financial activities with project goals and objectives.
- Monitor organisational expenditures and implement cost-saving strategies. Review and approve expenses, ensuring transparency and consistency to budget and organisational policies
- Coordinate audits and assist in the preparation of audit materials.
- Meet with the funders on a regular basis to update them on the financial progress.
Cash Flow Management: Manage cash flow and liquidity to ensure the organisation’s financial stability.
Tax Compliance: Ensure compliance with tax regulations.. Stay updated on tax laws and regulations.
Team Leadership and Development: Lead the finance team, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities.
Collaboration and Communication: Work collaboratively with departments to achieve organisational goals, promoting financial literacy and transparency across the organisation.
Leading the travel arrangements such buying tickets, booking accommodations and reimbursements when required.
Candidates we are looking for
- ⚬ Working proficiency in English
- ⚬ EU work permit
- ⚬ Eligible applicants must be younger than 35 years of age
- ⚬ Be aligned with YEE’s core values and mission
- ⚬ Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field.
- ⚬ Prior experience in budgeting, financial reporting, grant management.
- ⚬ Experience with nonprofit accounting principles and practices
- ⚬ Organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
- ⚬ Has exceptional communication skills to forge relationships with youth organisations and decision makers
- ⚬ Motivated to interact in an international environment with different organisations, institutions, and individuals
- ⚬ Is familiar with an international working environment, but is also comfortable with being part of a small team
- ⚬ Undertakes responsibilities and carries out tasks independently
- ⚬ Has a creative approach and can come up with innovative solutions
- ⚬ Able to work remotely and collaborate with the team under this regime
- ⚬ Experience in the youth field
- ⚬ Experience in financial reporting for the EU Commission, Erasmus+, European Youth Foundation
- ⚬ Experience in tax regulations, in particular, in the Czech Republic
- ⚬ Availability to relocate to the Czech Republic
- ⚬ Czech language proficiency
Call for Finance Manager | Full-time Opportunities
https://yeenet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/hiring.png 500 500 Eva Kloudová https://yeenet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/logo-yee-728x1030.png Eva Kloudová2024-02-21 10:03:052024-05-03 14:23:42Call for Finance Manager | Full-time Opportunities 20 h/ week
26k CZK/month
Prague, CZ
Onsite
Start 1st April 2024
YEE is seeking a Finance Coordinator
YEE is excited to announce the opening of a part-time Finance Coordinator (20 hours/week) from April 2024 to April 2025 (potential extension) to join our Finance team.
Responsibilities include financial reporting, grant management, budget monitoring, and data management. The selected candidate must have language proficiency in English and Czech. Ideal candidates have experience in budgeting, grant management, nonprofit accounting, and strong communication skills.
Remuneration is 26 000 CZK/month gross salary.
Your responsibilities
- Prepare accurate and timely financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Present financial information to the Coordination team and the Board, offering insights and recommendations for strategic planning.
- Monitor grant budgeting and reporting processes to ensure compliance with funder requirements. Work closely with project managers and department managers to align financial activities with project goals and objectives.
- Monitor budget vs. actual performance for various projects and programs. Identify variances and communicate findings to the Finance Manager
- Organise and archive financial documents, reports, and supporting documentation for audit and compliance purposes.
- Assisting in ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, organisational policies, and grant agreements. Supporting internal and external audits by providing requested documentation and explanations as needed.
- Assisting the financial manager with the travel arrangements such buying tickets, booking accommodations and reimbursements when required.
Candidates we are looking for
- ⚬ Working proficiency in English and Czech
- ⚬ Based in Prague or availability to relocate
- ⚬ EU work permit
- ⚬ Eligible applicants must be younger than 35 years of age
- ⚬ Be aligned with YEE’s core values and mission
- ⚬ Experience in budgeting, financial reporting, grant management
- ⚬ Experience with nonprofit accounting principles and practices
- ⚬ Organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
- ⚬ Has exceptional communication skills to forge relationships with youth organisations and decision makers
- ⚬ Motivated to interact in an international environment with different organisations, institutions, and individuals
- ⚬ Is familiar with an international working environment, but is also comfortable with being part of a small team
- ⚬ Undertakes responsibilities and carries out tasks independently
- ⚬ Has a creative approach and can come up with innovative solutions
- ⚬ Able to work remotely and collaborate with the team under this regime
- ⚬ Experience in the youth field
- ⚬ Experience in financial reporting for the EU Commission, Erasmus+, European Youth Foundation
- ⚬ Experience in tax regulations, in particular, in the Czech Republic
Call for Finance Coordinator | Part-time Opportunities
https://yeenet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/hiring.png 500 500 YEE https://yeenet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/logo-yee-728x1030.png YEE2024-02-20 17:21:232024-05-03 14:24:00Call for Finance Coordinator | Part-time Opportunities
Presenters:
Youth and Environment Europe (YEE), World’s Youth for Climate Justice (WYCJ), Auroramålet, Victorine Nagels (lawyer)
Presentation by WYCJ: The World’s Youth for Climate Justice is an international youth-led campaign that aims to bring climate change to the ICJ. Among others, we will discuss how we can all join forces in this last stage before the submission.
Presentation by Auroramålet: Auroramålet represents 300 young people who have sued the Swedish state for insufficient climate action. We will discuss why we have chosen human rights-based climate litigation as a tool for climate justice, and what we have learnt that could make it easier for others to do the same. This talk will cover how we manage legal strategy, funding, communications and advocacy with limited resources.
Presentation by YEE: We will discuss and present what are National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs), and why it is important for youth to provide feedback and actively participate in them.
Presentation by Victorine Nagels: We will hear from a young lawyer involved in defending young climate activists. Questions for the discussion include: which young people can take legal action and what are the risks? Is the situation different when young people act through an association? What are the situations in which it might be worth taking legal action? What happens when young people have to defend themselves in court?
Have questions? Get in touch!
Other upcoming events
Climate Litigation As a Tool for Youth Climate Movements
https://yeenet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/CLIMATE-LITIGATION.png 675 675 Eva Kloudová https://yeenet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/logo-yee-728x1030.png Eva Kloudová2024-02-05 17:20:302024-02-21 16:48:02Climate Litigation As a Tool for Youth Climate MovementsDeploying renewable energy while protecting biodiversity
Considering our growing energy needs, is the deployment of renewables compatible with our objectives of biodiversity protection?
Deploying renewable energy while protecting biodiversity
Considering our growing energy needs, is the deployment of renewables compatible with our objectives of biodiversity protection?
About the topic
Renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, has become increasingly popular in recent years due to their low carbon footprint. However, it is important to consider the impact of their development on land use and biodiversity. Solar panels and windmills require a significant amount of space, and this can raise concerns regarding their compatibility with biodiversity protection objectives. Data on the average square meter occupied by these renewable energy sources, both onshore and offshore, can give us a clear picture of the scale of land use involved.
Currently, the deployment of solar and wind energy is rapidly increasing globally, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years. While renewable energy production contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it can also have negative consequences for local habitats, migration patterns, and biodiversity. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully consider the potential environmental impacts when deploying renewables and find ways to minimize harm to ecosystems.
Have you missed the webinar? Watch the recording!
Have questions? Get in touch!
Other upcoming events
Deploying renewable energy while protecting biodiversity
https://yeenet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Webinar-Energy-Policy-Instagram-Post-Square20.png 810 810 Eva Kloudová https://yeenet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/logo-yee-728x1030.png Eva Kloudová2024-01-26 12:37:232024-02-05 16:45:18Deploying renewable energy while protecting biodiversityOur mission
YEE aims to unite environmental youth non-profit organisations in Europe in order to enhance international cooperation, increase knowledge about the climate crisis, raise awareness of environmental problems and to strengthen participation of youth in environmental decision-making.
We are supported by
Supported by the Council of Europe through the European Youth Foundation.
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
