Pascal Canfin Calls for Nature-Friendly Farming with EPP

In a recent interview with Euractiv, Pascal Canfin, the outgoing chair of the European Parliament’s Environment Committee (ENVI), urged centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) lawmakers to adopt a more ecological stance, particularly in light of their support for farmers’ strikes. Canfin, a prominent advocate for the European Green Deal, expressed concern over what he termed “naturoscepticism” within the EPP, which he believes hinders progress on environmental issues. As he prepares to step down from his role, Canfin is vying for the position of Renew’s environment coordinator, aiming to leverage his experience to advance the Green Deal. Canfin emphasized the importance of setting greenhouse gas emission targets for 2040 and proposed the establishment of a carbon market for the agri-food sector, stressing that farmers should not disproportionately bear the burden of new regulations. He highlighted the need for a balance between economic competitiveness and environmental protection, arguing that mastering low-carbon technologies and moving away from fossil fuels are essential for achieving competitiveness in the long run. He pointed out that current environmental regulations often place an unfair burden on farmers compared to their industrial counterparts. Canfin noted that farmers themselves are calling for changes, particularly in light of the recent protests across Europe. He advocated for the inclusion of mirror clauses in EU trade agreements to ensure fair competition and protect farmers’ interests. Looking ahead, Canfin called on the incoming European Commission president to prioritize investments in climate and digital transitions, underscoring the urgency of aligning economic policies with environmental sustainability.