Today another major push to the Global Green Deal comes from a group of nine MEPs belonging to the European Parliament Working Group on Fair Trade. Their op-ed is a clear signal that the European Green Deal requires a global approach. Their mixed affiliation (from 5 different political groups) is another proof of the large consensus in favour of the Global Green Deal".

The simplistic, black-and-white vision of the EU’s future, championed by populists and Eurosceptics deeply worries us as members of the European Parliament. We may belong to different political parties, but we stand together in refusing to weaken the European Green Deal. Quite the opposite, we demand that the Commission continue to implement its Man-on-the-Moon project and that the EU trade policy is aligned with it.

Despite our strong support for policies born out of the European Green Deal's objectives during this legislative term, and our work to revamp EU trade on a foundation of mutually agreed upon, fair, and equitable terms, we recognise that these measures alone are still largely insufficient. Some trading partners and small producers are worried about some of our policies. We need to take their concerns serious and work together to reach our climate targets. We cannot do it alone, as most of the economic growth and global carbon emissions will originate outside of the EU.

The EU cannot continue a) promoting trade conditions that reinforce unsustainable practices and destroy our common goods, b) pressuring small producers to endlessly reduce their production costs, c) imposing unconcerted EU priorities in a one-way relationship that fosters frustration and EU distrust at our partners’ level. Trade has to be equally beneficial to all and especially the small producers. One pathway to achieving this is through the promotion of Fair Trade practices and Fair Trade enterprises.

Numerous civil society initiatives have surfaced during this pre-election period, aligning closely with our goal of reshaping EU policies to enhance global justice. Notably, organisations like FairTrade Advocacy Office, SOLIDAR Foundation, Fairtrade International, World Fair Trade Organization and World Fair Trade Organization Europe are advocating for the expansion of the European Green Deal into a Global Green Deal, a proposal that aligns perfectly with our vision. To successfully achieve climate neutrality by 2050, the European Green Deal requires sustained public backing. This necessitates the EU's endorsement of a series of substantial, new measures to guarantee a fair transition for all parties involved. In late February 2024, the above coalition released the Global Green Deal Call to Action, which presents a vision for an inclusive transformation within and outside Europe. It highlights Europe's obligation to mitigate the effects its policies impose on third and partner countries and seeks to terminate exploitative relationships with the Global South.

The Global Green Deal introduces five key policy themes/measures aimed at creating a sustainable and just future. These include:

• Enhancing access for EU partner countries in the Global South to quality, affordable, and long-term financing.
• Incorporating a mandatory Just Transition strategy into the European Green Deal to ensure equity in environmental efforts.
• Promoting policy consistency for sustainable development by continuously reforming EU Trade policy and focusing on reducing negative spillover effects.
• Integrating Fair Trade practices and supporting Fair Trade Enterprises to balance benefits across international supply chains.
• Transforming the Green Deal into a catalyst for revising the EU economic model towards sustainability.

In addition, the Global Green Deal Call to Action stresses the absolute necessity to set a true and equal cooperative approach to co-define the new policy measures together with partner countries. This joint approach is indispensable to enable partner countries to set their own development priorities, finance essential projects and contribute in their own way to the global efforts to fight climate change.

Aligning with these goals, we pledge to:

• Advocate for and integrate the objectives of the Global Green Deal into our policy-making at every level of governance.
• Clearly communicate the goals and advantages of the Global Green Deal to voters, making its potential benefits widely understood.
• Motivate candidates in the forthcoming EU elections to champion these ideals, ensuring they too promote the Global Green Deal's vision.
• Work to ensure that the Global Green Deal gains significant attention and support in the new European Parliament, highlighting its critical role in Europe’s future.

Integrating a robust social and environmental justice component, along with a global perspective, into the current European Green Deal is crucial for its success. We believe this will inject fresh momentum into the Green Deal, countering critics who seek to halt its progress. Expanding the deal's scope internationally will ease its implementation and minimise the potential for political and social opposition in and outside the EU.

Moreover, by ensuring equitable benefits and promoting sustainability for everyone, the Global Green Deal will equip EU trading partners with additional resources to attain the 17 Sustainable Development Goals on their own. This requires the EU to develop a trade policy that is in line with the interests of third countries and their political and economic strategies. Fair cooperation on an equal footing is needed more than ever. The signatories therefore also believe that the EU must focus on promoting industrialisation in third countries rather than keeping most processing within the EU, and that giving prevalence to local industries in trade agreements will enable the EU to demonstrate its support for the economic growth of partner countries.

The urgency for a Global Green Deal cannot be overstated. As we stand at the crossroads of history, the choices we make today will define our legacy. Let’s choose a path that leaves no one behind, advocating for policies that ensure a just transition for all. The time for half-measures is past; now is the moment for bold action and transformative change.

Get in touch:

For more information about the Global Green Deal, please contact Eric Ponthieu:
ponthieu@fairtrade-advocacy.org