THE DEAL THAT MATTERS

Last week,?we gave you a heads-up—now it’s here: our?Action Plan?for the next EU mandate. After two years of dedicated effort, this roadmap is ready for the incoming Commissioners, new MEPs, and leaders across Europe who must urgently address the triple crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.?

Despite concerns that the?Green Deal?might be sidelined for a more industry-driven agenda, Ursula von der Leyen’s presentation of the Commissioners-designate and their mission letters suggests otherwise. While the economy takes on a flashier role, the Green Deal remains central. The task now is to ensure it continues to shape EU policy, building on its successes while keeping us within planetary boundaries. That’s why we’ve developed this Action Plan—a clear, step-by-step guide for EU leaders to follow.?

A truly Clean Industrial Deal can be a key part of the solution, fitting into a broader Green and Social Deal for a One-Planet Economy. True competitiveness depends on sustainability and a just ecological transition. EU leaders must seize this moment to secure a thriving, green future. With time running out, an ambitious action plan for 2030 is crucial to driving the transformations needed by 2040 and 2050. No more half measures—bold action is within reach, and our Action Plan shows the way.?

Curious? Read on!??

?? Circular Economy and Wellbeing??

It's time to fully embrace a wellbeing economy by cutting resource use and slashing material footprints. We must set bold targets and replace the outdated Stability and Growth Pact with a forward-thinking Wellbeing and Sustainability Pact. This shift will ensure that environmental and social priorities are at the heart of EU economic governance.???

?? Fair and Green Investment Plan??

We need a Social and Green Investment Plan that ensures everyone is part of the Green Deal transition. Taxation must be reformed to enforce the polluter pays principle, creating fairness in the green shift for both people and businesses. Europe must lead by example, ensuring that sustainability is built into the fabric of our economy.??

??? Resilient and Sustainable Sectors??

We need to support sectors with green skills, smart infrastructure, and innovation to build a resilient, competitive future. Investment in smart grids and reformed food systems is crucial, alongside strengthening chemicals legislation to protect public health and drive cutting-edge innovation. Our industries can thrive, but they need the right tools and policies to lead the way in sustainability.??

??? Make Sustainability the Easy Choice??

Sustainability should be the default choice. Citizens should be able to make sustainable choices easily, whether for housing, transport, food, or energy. We need policy coherence across government to create an environment that enables these decisions. Public and corporate procurement policies must be revised to drive the market towards a greener future.????

?? Promote a Just Transition??

?? New Social Contract – Europe must ensure no one is left behind. A new social contract is essential, with a strategy that guarantees a minimum income and addresses inequalities. The European Semester must track and monitor progress, ensuring that this transition is fair and inclusive for all.??

??? Strengthen Environmental Democracy – Young people and marginalised groups need a stronger voice. We call for the right to a clean, healthy environment to be recognised and for a European Civil Society Strategy to promote participatory democracy. The future belongs to everyone—let’s make sure all voices are heard, especially those too often forgotten.??

?? Solidarity and Global Responsibility??

???? EU Enlargement and Solidarity – As the EU expands, the green and just transition must be extended to candidate countries. We need to provide them with the legal and financial support necessary to achieve fossil fuel independence and decent work. EU enlargement must strengthen governance, ensuring that new members contribute to, not undermine, our collective sustainability goals.??

?? Commit to Global Justice – Europe must take responsibility for its global environmental footprint. By driving green-deal partnerships and pushing for multilateral solutions, we can scale back resource exploitation and lead the charge on international diplomacy. A sustainable future isn’t just Europe’s responsibility—it’s a global one.???

??? Upholding Commitments??

?? Enforce EU Laws – The rule of law must be upheld across Europe. We propose an Implementation Action Plan to ensure EU legislation protects both the environment and public health. Compliance with these laws is crucial for ensuring that Europe stays on the right path.??

?? Strengthen EU Governance – To restore trust across the EU, we must combat disinformation, root out vested interests, and strengthen public accountability. The new Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition will need to accelerate and complete the work of the Green Deal and fully align it with the social dimension. Her challenge will be to balance EU 'competitiveness' with a just ecological transition, recognising that true competitiveness relies on sustainability.??

Similarly, the Commissioner in charge of Intergenerational Fairness and Youth?must fulfil their mandate of participation and foresight to ensure the rights of future citizens are?integrated across all EU policy areas. ?

The EEB’s Action Plan sets out the clear, actionable steps necessary to realise the European Pact for the Future—a green and social deal for a one-planet economy. With 298 organisations and over 1,000 individuals already on board, the Pact remains open for further support. Europe needs a Pact that inspires hope, unlocks opportunities, drives wellbeing for all, and spurs systemic change for a sustainable future.??

The time for action is now—let’s make this happen!?

???JOIN US? ?

Work with us.?The work continues, and we often seek new colleagues to join our team.?Could you be one of them? Check out our current vacancies on our website.?

??SIGN UP?

Join the future.?The European Pact for the Future ignites hope and courage, paving the way for new opportunities and ensuring the wellbeing of all. It champions sustainable competitiveness and drives the transformative changes needed for a greener, more resilient tomorrow. You can explore the Pact today, and if you haven't yet, please?make sure to sign and be part of the movement shaping Europe's future.?

???FOLLOW US

Don't stay?delulu, deal with the pollulu.?We’ve just hit the 50k follower milestone on LinkedIn! This year, we’ve also grown our digital community by joining Instagram and TikTok. Stay connected and follow us for the latest green updates and our work across the EU and beyond. Don’t miss out!?

By:?Annick Hus. Special thanks to?Alberto Vela,?Ruby Silk,?Ben Snelson,?and?Roi Gomez. Editor: Christian Skrivervik