The European Union has been defined as the protector of peace and a society of social security as it values the well-being of its citizens, their freedom and justice without internal borders. Ever since it was founded in 1993, it has promoted scientific and technological progress, combatted social exclusion and discrimination, and enhanced economic and territorial cohesion and solidarity among its countries.

However, this does not resonate to our new generation (of people in their mid-20s) anymore. Although our parents’ generation has tried to accomplish EU’s goals, we come of age in a time of crises. Europe is experiencing a financial collapse, a surge of populism and a panic over migration. What is more, young people no longer see the EU as a project of diversity, democracy and unity but as one of fracture and bureaucracy.

Over the past two years, young Europeans have spoken about one extremely important measure. Movements such as Fridays for Future and Extinction Rebellion have reached out to the Union’s leaders in an attempt to lay stress on the significance of climate action, stating that our European identity hinges on their climate policies.

As many polls were released in the last year, it was found that a great number of young Europeans are overwhelmingly supportive when it comes to saving the environment with 47% of 16- to 25-year-olds believing it should be the EU’s top priority (which is more than those in groups of older people). They also emphasize on the importance of eliminating carbon emissions throughout our territories by 2030.

On the one hand, leaders have finally realized how crucial this problem is and have taken the matter in their hands as European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen releases the European Green Deal, stating that “this is Europe’s man on the moon moment; our goal is to reconcile the economy with our planet and to make it work for our people”. The former German defence minister explains that the old growth model based on fossil fuels and pollution is out of date and out of touch with our planet and is convinced that climate policy is the new growth strategy of the continent.

The commission plan has 10 main points

“Climate neutral” Europe – the aim to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emission by 2050 by updating the climate ambition for 2030.

A new circular economy action plan is presented with prescriptions on how to use less materials and make sure products can be reused and recycled.

Building renovation is one of the main goals as the key objective is to at least double the rate of renovated buildings (which is currently 1%).

Pollution-free environment, including in air, soil and water.

Green and healthier agriculture by reducing the usage of chemical pesticides, antibiotics and fertilisers.

Ecosystems and biodiversity strategy that includes measures to tackle soil and water pollution and planting more trees both in cities and in the countryside.

Electric vehicles are to be more encouraged as the aim is to deploy 1 million public charging points across Europe by 2025 so that everyone can drive their car without worrying about the next charging station. Also, biofuels and hydrogen will be promoted in aviation, shipping and heavy duty road transport.

The commission proposes a “Just Transition Mechanism” to help the regions that are most dependent on fossil fuels in order to leave no one behind. They have the ambition to mobilise €100 billion for the case.

As Europe increases its climate ambitions, EU officials expect the rest of the world to play its role too and if that does not happen – they are ready to protect its industry against unfair competition.

Horizon Europe research and innovation programme will contribute to the Green Deal by setting aside 35% of its funding for climate-friendly technologies.

On the other hand, leaders have failed to turn their words into actions as target dates for “carbon neutrality” are still being negotiated. Additionally, the term was used as a cover for investing in “alternative” fuels, which are anything but green.

Our generation has not failed to notice the significant difference in the leaders’ commitment to the cause on paper and their actual efforts as in reality, they have only been delaying the movement and obfuscated information about it so far. Anyways, young Europeans are convinced they will not let EU leaders forfeit their already fragile faith but will take action in order to make a change as soon as possible.