Terry Reintke of the Greens is positioning her party as the solution to combat right-wing, authoritarian forces that are trying to weaken climate action ahead of June’s European elections. She emphasized the importance of upholding the European Green Deal, the EU’s plan to achieve climate neutrality. Reintke’s party has been critical of the centre-right European People’s Party for attempts to dilute the Green Deal in response to farmer protests, which led to concessions by the European Commission. She proposed reshuffling farming subsidies based on ecological and social indicators rather than farm size to ensure a fairer distribution, with a cap on maximum subsidies to aid smaller family farms in Europe.
Reintke views the Green Deal as essential for both climate action and Europe’s security, citing the continent’s vulnerability to Russian fossil fuel imports prior to the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. She argued that transitioning to sustainable energy sources like wind and solar power is crucial for Europe’s security strategy, reducing dependence on autocrats. Reintke believes that the Green Deal is necessary for Europe to compete with global powers like China and the US in developing clean energy technologies such as green hydrogen and batteries. She highlighted the importance of a significant investment program at the European level to incentivize member states to adopt clean technologies in order to stay competitive.
Concerns over the US Inflation Reduction Act, which provides generous subsidies for green technology, prompted the EU to introduce counter-proposals like the Net Zero Industry Act and the Critical Raw Materials Act. The EU has launched investigations into Chinese state subsidies in industries like electric vehicles, solar panels, and wind turbines to prevent market flooding with cheap imports. Reintke warned of a potential right-wing backlash against democracy, rule of law, and freedom in Europe, urging citizens to vote for progressive, future-oriented policies. She criticized Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen for losing traction towards the end of her mandate and attempting to undermine the Green Deal and Nature Restoration law.
Addressing the conflict in the Middle East, particularly Israel’s response to Hamas’ attacks, Reintke called for pressure on Israel and suggested using the EU-Israel Association Agreement to exert influence. She supported efforts to hold Israel accountable while acknowledging the need for stability and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. Reintke’s interview is part of a series with all the Spitzenkandidaten, with the full conversation set to air on Euronews on May 10. Her emphasis on the Greens as a forward-looking, progressive choice for voters aligns with her party’s commitment to climate action, sustainability, and defending democracy against authoritarian forces in Europe.
