Reuters analysts analyzed draft documents on political priorities for the next 5-year term of the European Parliament and found that some of the largest groups of lawmakers intend to block the new climate policy or roll back some of the already existing ones.
Experts published the results of their analysis on the agency's website.
After reviewing the draft documents, analysts argue that both the center-right European People's Party (EPP), the largest parliamentary group, and the right-wing European Group of Conservatives and Reformists (CEN), the fourth largest, want to revise the EU ban on the sale of new cars with internal combustion engines until 2035.
"ECR will insist on the repeal of this ban," the group's draft priorities state.
The group will also contest an expected proposal from the European Commission to commit the EU to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels.
"Amid unprecedented global challenges, escalating energy prices and rising carbon costs, we are concerned about the timing of achieving this ambitious climate goal," Reuters analysts quoted the document as saying.
The EPP draft document does not mention the 2040 goal. It said the group supported existing EU emissions targets, but other "green" policies should be shelved – including a future ban on imports of goods linked to deforestation.
Together, the EPP and EKR have 266 out of 720 deputies in the European Parliament. Representatives of the newly formed far-right alliance "Patriots for Europe" will probably also support the calls for a change in climate policy. It consists of 84 deputies.
The draft priorities of the second largest group in the European Parliament – the Socialists and Democrats in the composition of 136 deputies – show that they are opposed to the weakening of climate policy and seek to achieve an ambitious climate goal by 2040.
This position is also supported by the liberal Renew group and the Greens, which are represented by 129 deputies.
"We expect the Commission to commit to continuing the Green Course ... without backing down," says the Renew priorities project.
Analysts said the split is creating a headache for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who is trying to win the support of a majority of EU lawmakers in next week's vote to win a second term in office.
The other day, EcoPolitic reported that according to analysts of the European Climate Neutrality Observatory, EU countries are leaving in the "wrong direction" when the level of carbon dioxide is reduced.
