Former MEP now advises Ursula von der Leyen, raising questions about political influence

In Belgium, Philippe Lamberts, a former co-leader of the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament, has been appointed as an advisor to Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission. This appointment was made public recently, and Lamberts has the responsibility of supporting the European Union's transition to a climate-neutral economy. Lamberts, who is 61 years old, is expected to leverage his extensive experience in the European Parliament, where he has served for over 15 years, to assist in achieving the EU's climate targets for 2030, ultimately aiming for climate neutrality by 2050. Lamberts' expertise will be instrumental in building connections among various stakeholders, which include business leaders, civil society organizations, political actors, and vulnerable groups. An EC spokesperson highlighted Lamberts' advisory role as pivotal for engaging these different sectors to inform policy-making. His responsibilities also involve simplifying existing legislation and ensuring the transition process is equitable. Ursula von der Leyen commented positively on her cooperation with the Greens/EFA group, indicating that they played a crucial role in her re-election as President. She emphasized the group’s importance in fostering a pro-European majority within the European Parliament, particularly regarding collaborative efforts on climate targets and sustainable industrial policies. Through this new role, Lamberts is expected to bridge the gap between the EU’s policy direction and real-world applications, along with identifying innovative trends that inform climate adaptation strategies. The current push toward a climate-neutral economy reflects the broader global challenges imposed by climate change and underlines the commitment of EU institutions to take proactive measures. Lamberts’ background as a business executive and his political experience are seen as valuable assets in navigating the complex landscape of international climate negotiations and implementing the EU's ambitious climate agenda.