NGOs and businesses send an urgent call for the EU to adopt a greener budget and a successor to Next Generation EU

A coalition of 47 businesses, civil society organisations, associations and investors across Europe has released an open letter urging Commissioners-designate to prioritise investments in the green and just transition by proposing a greener EU budget and a successor to the Next Generation EU programme.

The signatories, which include CLG Europe, Danone, PepsiCo, Uber, Transport & Environment, and WWF EU, emphasise the need for a clear investment strategy to maintain the region’s competitive edge and achieve the climate and biodiversity goals outlined in the European Green Deal.

“For European businesses, the green transition is more than a responsibility – it’s a chance to boost innovation and competitiveness. But to seize the opportunities, we need a robust and comprehensive EU investment plan that channels both public and private capital into sustainable solutions. Without decisive action and a clear financing strategy, Europe risks jeopardising any leadership in the green economy,” said Ursula Woodburn, Director, CLG Europe.

“We need a rock-solid investment strategy alongside a stable regulatory framework to reap the benefits of the green transition. A public investment package must go well beyond what the EU budget currently provides and should be fully aligned with the EU’s environmental and climate laws. Without additional investment, we risk not only our climate and environmental goals but also our food, water and energy security,” said Xavier Sol, Director of Sustainable Finance, Transport & Environment.

The signatories call for a greener EU budget and a successor to Next Generation EU – the Covid economic recovery programme – to be central to a comprehensive investment package. They urge the new Commission to seize this opportunity to accelerate the transition to a climate-neutral, zero-pollution, and nature-positive future, benefiting both people and businesses.