The EU has long been a global frontrunner in climate policy, with ambitious targets: a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050 as part of the European Green Deal. But in 2025, new challenges are putting climate policy under pressure. War in Europe, growing geopolitical uncertainty, and rising defence spending are all straining the Union’s green ambitions.
In March, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen launched the ReArm Europe initiative – a proposal to mobilise up to €800 billion for defence over the next four years. This marks a significant shift in EU priorities and raises the question: is climate policy slipping down the political agenda?
On 4 June, DEO invites you to join a live debate with Jens Ladefoged Mortensen, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Copenhagen. He is an expert on EU climate and trade policy, with a particular focus on the political economy of green transition.
The debate will be held in English and is part of an Erasmus+ project in which DEO has developed a digital teaching tool – an interactive escape room on the EU’s climate policy – to be launched after the event. Teachers and interested citizens from across Europe are invited to join this one-hour session featuring a presentation, Q&A, and discussion.
Programme:
• Presentation by Jens Ladefoged Mortensen (15–20 min)
• Q&A and debate (15–20 min)
• Launch of DEO’s new digital teaching material
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