The new EU Commission. EUROPARC Federation is ready to serve!

Plenary Session- Presentation by the Commission President-elect of the College of Commissioners and their programme - Election of the Commission

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Article issued by Ignace Schops

Yesterday, 27th of November, the European Parliament has elected the new European Commission for the next 5 years, led by Ursula von der Leyen. Read here how the new commissioners are willing to make it the “greenest EU Commission Europe has ever seen”.

Article issued by Ignace Schops, President of the EUROPARC Federation.

In her agenda for Europe “A Union that strives for more” EU President Ursula von der Leyen drafts her 6 headline ambitions and priorities for the next 5 years. With “A European Green Deal” the new EU President is determent what will be the “hallmark” for Europe. EU Commissioner Frans Timmermans will be her second-in-command and lead the European Green Deal.

Ursula von der Leyen by Arno Mikkor

With her team, Ursula will strive to become the first climate-neutral continent, which includes the creation of the first European Climate Law to enshrine the 2050 climate neutrality target into reality. And that’s not all! The new Green Deal includes the protection of Europe’s natural environment, biodiversity, food security, deforestation and land degradation as well.

A new Biodiversity Strategy 2030 will be presented and the EU will take the next step towards a circular economy. A new “Farm to Fork Strategy” on sustainable food along the whole value chain will be developed and President von der Leyen wants Europe to move towards a zero-pollution ambition.

We feel we are moving towards the right direction, towards the right side of development, towards the right side of humanity.

EUROPARC Federation is pleased with the Green Deal. EU President Ursula von der Leyen proposes an inclusive approach, based on the planetary boundaries.

As EUROPARC President, I welcome the EU president Ursula von der Leyen, the EU Vice-president Frans Timmermans, the EU Commissioner for the Environment Virginijus Sinkkevicius and all other Commissioners. EUROPARC Federation is ready to serve, looking forward to working with the EU, Commissioners, and Directorates!

Kemeri National Park, EUROPARC Conference 2019, September 2019

Just a couple of months ago, we were all united in Kemeri National Park in Latvia for your annual conference. This year’s theme “Nature on our mind, understanding our values” was spot on! We could learn, exchange, disseminate our values and desires, our ambitions and opportunities. We highlighted our policy papers and we launched our “Healthy Parks, Healthy People Europe” initiative. But above all we were inspired by the wild wonders of nature and by the power we, as a network, can create. United. To protect, to preserve, to re-connect. Now and in the future.

I am so proud and honored to lead this beautiful federation. Let’s not destroy what keeps us alive! Think globally, act locally and change personally!