PES - Party of European Socialists

07/01/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/01/2026 09:37

Progressives call for faster climate action as heatwaves expose Europe’s urgency

The Party of European Socialists (PES) Environment, Climate Change and Energy Network (ECEN) met today in Brussels to discuss how progressives can strengthen the call for ambitious climate action while tackling climate disinformation, ensuring affordable energy and protecting citizens from energy poverty.

As Europe experiences another summer of extreme temperatures, participants warned that the real cost is climate delay and climate inaction. Participants underlined that climate change is no longer a future challenge but a present reality affecting people's health, homes, jobs, and quality of life. They stressed that Europe must respond with policies that are socially fair, economically credible, and clearly communicated.

The discussion focused on countering climate disinformation and protecting the integrity of democratic debate. Participants also underlined that climate action must deliver tangible improvements in people's daily lives through affordable energy, better housing, quality jobs, and greater energy security.


Mags Bird, WWF, and Thomas Gelin, Greenpeace EU
The meeting also addressed the need to strengthen European action against energy poverty and ensure that the green transition benefits everyone. Participants discussed measures to make energy more affordable, accelerate investment in renewable energy, better protect vulnerable households, and reinforce energy rights as an essential part of a fair transition.


Tsvetelina Penkova, S&D Group
Javi López, Chair of the PES Environment, Climate Change and Energy Network and S&D MEP, said:

"Climate inaction is already costing Europeans through extreme weather, higher energy bills and growing insecurity. Every heatwave reminds us that climate change does not wait for political convenience. Europe must reject the false choice between climate action and competitiveness. Our task is to deliver both: clean energy that people can afford, quality jobs and a transition that leaves nobody behind. Progressives must lead with solutions that make the green transition fair, affordable and beneficial for everyone, while standing firmly against those who spread disinformation and try to turn climate into another culture war."

The ECEN reaffirmed that ambitious climate action, affordable clean energy and social justice must go hand in hand. As Europe prepares its next political decisions on climate and energy, progressives will continue working for policies that protect both people and the planet while strengthening Europe's resilience, competitiveness and democratic values.
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