Eight European countries have proposed a quarter of the European Union‘s budget be spent on tackling climate change.
Belgium, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden also said the EU should cut greenhouse gas emissions to a net-zero level “by 2050 at the latest”.
“Climate change is a global challenge with profound implications for the future of humanity and our planet,” the joint statement said.
“Its impacts are already felt all across the EU, with for example the heat waves and scorching fires of last summer.”
“It is crucial to redirect the financial flows, both private and public, towards the climate action,” the paper added.
“The EU budget currently under negotiation will be an important tool in this respect: at least 25 per cent of the spendings should go to projects aimed at fighting against climate change.”