European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s recent appointment of commissioner picks – Wopke Hoekstra, Dan Jørgensen, and Teresa Ribera – has been met with cautious approval from climate activists and the renewable energy lobby. The re-appointment of Hoekstra as the EU climate commissioner, alongside Jørgensen taking the energy portfolio and Ribera as an executive vice-president, indicates continuity with the Green Deal, von der Leyen’s flagship policy from her first term.
Experts believe that this team, described as a “dream team,” will be able to navigate geopolitical tensions and tariffs, lower LNG imports from the US, and withstand lobbying pressures from big oil and gas companies. The combination of portfolios, such as Hoekstra’s addition of taxation policy to climate issues and Jørgensen’s dual role as the EU housing commissioner, reflects a holistic approach to tackling climate change and decarbonization.
While some remain skeptical about the von der Leyen Commission’s intentions, others see the potential for substantial progress in addressing climate change. Von der Leyen’s team will play a crucial role in proposing a 2040 emissions reduction target early next year, with Hoekstra already publicly backing a drastic cut of 90% below 1990 levels.
Overall, the appointments suggest a continued focus on renewable energy, climate action, and the transition to a sustainable economy. The upcoming COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan will provide a platform for the EU to showcase its commitment to combating climate change on a global scale.
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