Environmental and energy experts met to discuss energy affordability, investments in green technologies and the EU's forthcoming Climate Adaptation Strategy, against the backdrop of growing conservative and far-right pressure on Europe's climate agenda. The discussion took place in the framework of the PES Environment, Climate Change and Energy Network, chaired by S&D MEP Javi López.

The participants took note of the pressure that conservative forces are putting on the European environmental agenda - increasingly in alignment with far-right actors - and agreed that the unity of the progressives is the vehicle for safeguarding environmental targets, health standards, climate action and workers' rights in these turbulent political times.

Javi Lopez, S&D MEP and chair of the network, stated:

"As we enter this new legislative year it is timely to meet and reiterate our strong conviction for fighting for energy affordability, against climate change and for the livelihood of our planet and generations to come. At a time when conservatives are increasingly aligning with the far right to roll back the European Green Deal, progressives are the only force left following science, setting the alarm for climate action, protecting workers right and fighting for a sustainable wellbeing. Europe is the fastest-heating continent. Europe needs a solid and ambitious strategy to counter the effects of climate change. If not, we will see more extreme weather effects, and our economies will suffer greater blows. Social rights, working conditions, and living standards need to be safeguarded. Society needs to be protected against extreme weather. And extreme weather should not be normalised."

The Network meeting took place in hybrid mode - both in person and online.

The network also discussed the issue of energy affordability in relation to carbon pricing. The participants agreed that market mechanisms need to be regulated to best deliver on affordable pricing and that financial assurances, also in the form of the Social Climate Fund are needed to help guide citizens through decarbonisation.

The PES Environment, Climate Change and Energy Network bring together representatives of PES member parties, the S&D Group in the European Parliament, the PES Group in the Committee of the Regions, partner organisations, as well as civil society and trade unions.

Participants' list:

• Javi Lopez Chair, Member of the European Parliament S&D Group in the European Parliament
• Christophe Clergeau, Member of the European Parliament S&D Group in the European Parliament
• Cesar Luena, Member of the European Parliament S&D Group in the European Parliament
• Matteo Lepore, Mayor of Bologna PES Group in the Committee of the Regions
• Benedetta Brighenti, President of the AESS, Emilia Romagnia Region
• Francesco Errani, Policy Officer, Emilia Romagnia Region
• Justus Schönlau, Political Adviser, PES Group in the CoR
• Frieda Ardies, Secretary General ESO
• Romina Kuko, Member of Parliament Socialist Party, Albania
• Jurica Šimurina, Professor, Social Democratic Party, Croatia
• Züleyxa Izmailova, Member of Parliament Social Democratic Party, Estonia
• Serge LeGal International Secretary, Socialist Party, France
• Pól Mac Fhirléighinn, International Secretary Social Democratic and Labour Party, Ireland
• Alpar Limp, Head of EU delegation DK, Hungary
• Jamila Madeira, National Secretary for International Affairs Socialist Party, Portugal
• Konstantin Samofalov, International Secretary Party of Freedom and Justice, Serbia
• Luka Goršek, Vice President Social Democratic Party, Slovenia
• Živa Živkovič, Secretary General, Social Democratic Party, Slovenia
• Jytte Guteland, Member of Parliament, Social Democratic Party, Sweden
• Evrim Rizvanoglu, Vice President, CHP, Turkey
• Umit Ozlale, Member of Parliament, CHP, Turkey
• Marta Bonifert, Founding Board Member CEE Gender Network
• Olga Markogiannaki, Executive Member, PES Women
• Bogdan-Alexandru Chelariu, EU Policy Officer, CEE Bankwatch
• Sven Harmeling, Head of climate Climate Action Network
• Assia Oulkadi, Senior policy officer, European Youth Forum
• Thomas Gelin, Climate and transport, Greenpeace EU
• Wijnand Stoefs, Lead on EU Policy Carbon Market Watch
• Marie-Jeanne Gaertner, Environmental Policy Lead RREUSE
• Réka Tunyogi, Head of Policy and Advocacy Social Platform
• Andrea Casamenti, Just Transition Policy coordinator, SOLIDAR
• Federico Terreni, Climate Policy Manager Transport & Environment
• Lea Appulo, Global Europe Programme Manager, Wetlands International Europe
• Camille Maury, Senior Policy Officer, WWF
• Mags Bird, Senior Policy Officer, WWF
• Jesse van der Meulen, S&D APA to MEP Mohammed Chahim, S&D Group in the EP
• Olga Rueda Molina, S&D APA to MEP Javi Lopez, S&D Group in the EP
• Steffen Engling, S&D APA to MEP Tiemo Wolken, S&D Group in the EP
• Corina Popa, Political Advisor, S&D Group in the EP
• Louisa Bentley, Assistant S&D, Group in the EP
• Constantin Kourkoulas, Head of Policy Unit, PES
• Elli Chrysanthakopoulou, Policy Adviser - Environment and Climate Change, PES
• Alexia Ozeel, Policy Assistant, PES