Fact Check: "The far-right Patriots for Europe group will delay the EU's 2040 climate target."
What We Know
The claim that the far-right Patriots for Europe group will delay the EU's 2040 climate target is rooted in recent developments within the European Parliament. The Patriots for Europe group, which includes parties such as the French National Rally, Italy's Lega, and Hungary's Fidesz, has been assigned the role of lead negotiators for the EU's upcoming climate target discussions. This group has a history of opposing EU climate policies, with its chairman, Jordan Bardella, advocating for the suspension of the EU's Green Deal (Politico, Euronews).
The European Commission has proposed a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040, but the Patriots' leadership in negotiations raises concerns about the potential for delays or alterations to this ambitious goal (Reuters, Yahoo). The rapporteurship, which is the role responsible for drafting Parliament's position and leading talks, was secured by the Patriots through a point system based on the size of parliamentary groups, making them the third-largest faction in the European Parliament (Politico, Euronews).
Analysis
The assertion that the Patriots for Europe group will delay the EU's 2040 climate target is partially true. While the group has indeed taken control of the negotiations, which could lead to a slowdown in the legislative process, it is important to note that they do not have unilateral power to prevent the target from being set. The rapporteur can influence discussions and potentially complicate the legislative work, but other parliamentary groups can still negotiate and push for their own agendas (Euronews, Politico).
Critically assessing the sources, Politico and Euronews are reputable outlets known for their political reporting, which lends credibility to their accounts of the situation. The reports indicate a significant shift in power dynamics within the Parliament, with many mainstream lawmakers expressing concern over the Patriots' newfound influence (Politico, Euronews). However, the claim that they will definitively delay the target lacks definitive evidence, as the legislative process involves multiple stakeholders and negotiations.
Moreover, the term "delay" implies a certainty that may not be present. While the Patriots' leadership role raises the potential for complications, the outcome of the negotiations remains uncertain, and other pro-European forces are actively seeking ways to counteract this influence (Yahoo, Euronews).
Conclusion
The claim that the far-right Patriots for Europe group will delay the EU's 2040 climate target is partially true. They have indeed gained a significant role in the negotiations, which could lead to potential delays or alterations in the legislative process. However, it is not guaranteed that they will be able to prevent the target from being established, as other groups within the Parliament still have the ability to negotiate and advocate for their positions.
Sources
- Far-right lawmakers to lead EU negotiations on new climate target
- Far-right climate delayers to lead Parliament talks on EU's 2040 target
- Far-right climate delayers to lead Parliament talks on EU's 2040 target
- EU lawmakers reject attempt to curb far right's sway on climate target
- Patriots break cordon sanitaire to seize climate file
- Europe cannot afford to let climate delayers dictate our future
- Far-right climate delayers to lead Parliament talks on EU’s 2040 target
- EU MEPs reject urgency procedure for 2040 climate goal
