Ahead of the May 2019 European elections, EURACTIV takes an in-depth look into the campaign commitments made by the lead candidates of the main political parties.
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Manfred Weber, a late convert to environmentalism
Despite his Christian convictions, the lead candidate for the European People’s Party (EPP) at this week’s EU elections has remained remarkably silent on defining environmental issues such as climate change before suddenly changing gear at the end of his campaign.
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Manfred Weber: ‘Environmental issues are one of my areas of expertise’
The lead candidate for the centre-right in this week’s European elections says “Europe must move towards net-zero emissions by 2050,” voicing his belief in innovation and new technologies to drive the decarbonisation agenda if he becomes the next president of the European Commission.
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Margrethe Vestager, a competitive approach to environmental policy
EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, a Liberal candidate to be the next Commission President, believes the key to improving Europe’s environment and fighting climate change will be implementing the laws already on the books.
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Vestager: ‘We need more commissioners working on environmental issues’
Margrethe Vestager, one of the seven lead candidate for the Liberals in next month’s EU elections, views Juncker’s “project teams” as a success and would consider establishing multiple environment commissioners for different areas such as climate change, biodiversity, air pollution or chemicals.
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Jan Zahradil, champion of ‘common sense’ EU environmentalism
The lead candidate for the European Conservatives at next month’s EU elections has made climate policy and other environmental issues one of his key election themes. But can he square up his green agenda with his passion for national sovereignty? EURACTIV tried to find out.
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Zahradil: ‘Going too far, too fast on climate risks destabilising society’
“It’s a good thing that youngsters are getting involved” in climate policy, says Jan Zahradil, the lead candidate for the European Conservatives in next month’s EU elections. But going too far, too fast risks causing tensions with other groups in society, like the Yellow Vests in France, he warned.
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Nico Cué, the trade unionist with a green soft spot
The lead candidate for the European Left at the May EU elections devoted much of his professional life defending the rights of steel workers in his native Belgium. He now brings his fight to the European level, adding shades of green to his political spectrum.
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WWF interviews with Spitzenkandidaten: Manfred Weber
Ahead of the EU elections WWF asked lead candidates about their vision for a sustainable Europe.
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WWF interviews with Spitzenkandidaten: Frans Timmermans
Ahead of the EU elections WWF asked lead candidates about their vision for a sustainable Europe. Watch our chat with Frans Timmermans, lead candidate for the Party of European Socialists.
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WWF interviews with Spitzenkandidaten: Margrethe Vestager
Ahead of the EU elections WWF asked lead candidates about their vision for a sustainable Europe.
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WWF interviews with Spitzenkandidaten: Bas Eickhout
Ahead of the EU elections WWF asked lead candidates about their vision for a sustainable Europe. Watch our chat with Bas Eickhout, lead candidate for the European Green Party.