In this IEP@BU Policy Brief No. 26 (September 2024), titled Green Deal in a Time of “Green Bashing”, we (Aure Keraron and myself) assess the European Green Deal’s implementation.

We highlight key achievements: the European Climate Law, ‘Fit for 55’ package, ETS reforms, and regulations on deforestation-free products.

Setbacks include diluted laws (e.g., Nature Restoration, buildings energy performance), withdrawal of pesticide reduction targets, and limited CAP environmental impact amid farmer protests and lobbying.

Facing a ‘greenlash’ fueled by populism, we warn against rollbacks that risk fragmenting the market and failing climate goals.

We advocate accelerating implementation with stronger citizen involvement (e.g., assemblies) and a truly inclusive ‘just transition’ to build resilience and counter resistance.