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65-537: Eurocities is one of the major city networks in the EU. It is an example of how city diplomacy is seeking influence and prominence in the established world of international relations. At the EU level, Eurocities promotes the implementation of the European Union's subsidiarity principle. This offers multiple opportunities to engage and influence EU initiatives and policies, especially on urban development and more recently

130-865: A PhD in international law at Comenius University in Bratislava. The subject of his dissertation thesis was Sources of the EU law and respective legislative procedures . Šefčovič is a former diplomat, who served in Zimbabwe, Canada, as well as the Slovak ambassador to Israel (1999–2002). He was also the Permanent Representative of the Slovak Republic to the European Union (2004–2009). Šefčovič replaced Ján Figeľ as European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth on 1 October 2009. Šefčovič's responsibilities included

195-723: A degree in Russia at Moscow State Institute of International Relations , where he studied from 1985 to 1990. In June 1987, Šefčovič became a candidate for membership in the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia . After the two-year candidacy period during which he had to secure three approvals from other party members and which he embraced to "deepen his knowledge of Marxism–Leninism ", he filed an application for party membership in May 1989. The party approved his application on 1 June 1989 and he became an official member. In 2000, he obtained

260-467: A few examples. The ‘From Farm to Fork’ strategy pursues the issue of food sustainability as well as the support allocated to the producers, i.e. farmers and fishermen. The methods of production and transfer of these resources are what the E.U. considers a climate-friendly approach, aiming to increase efficiency as well. The price and quality of the goods will aim to not be hindered during these newly adopted processes. Specific target areas include reducing

325-649: A part of the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan, is expected to mobilize €100 billion in investments during the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), with funding from the EU budget and Member States , as well as contributions from InvestEU and the European Investment Bank . Maro%C5%A1 %C5%A0ef%C4%8Dovi%C4%8D Maroš Šefčovič ( Slovak: [ˈmarɔʂ ˈʂeftʂɔʋitʂ] ; born 24 July 1966)

390-565: A special role to play in this seismic shift. By 2023, greentech was one of the few sectors in the EU where venture capital investments matched those in the United States, highlighting the impact of the EU's ambitious climate goals and government subsidies. The European Green Deal and accompanying government policies have driven substantial investment in greentech, particularly in areas like energy storage , circular economy initiatives, and agricultural technology . This focus has enabled

455-707: A way that can be measured and/or followed up. Participating in the Pact is an opportunity for organizations to share their transition journey with their peers and collaborate with other actors towards common targets. The overarching aim of the European Green Deal is for the European Union to become the world's first “climate-neutral bloc” by 2050. It has goals extending to many different sectors, including construction, biodiversity, energy, transport and food. The plan includes potential carbon tariffs for countries that don't curtail their greenhouse gas pollution at

520-731: Is a Slovak diplomat and politician serving as Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for the European Green Deal since 2023, as well as Vice-President of the European Commission for Interinstitutional Relations since 2019, previously holding the office from 2010 to 2014. He has been a member of the European Commission since 2009. Šefčovič also stood for office in the 2019 Slovak presidential election , which he lost against Zuzana Čaputová . He served as European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth from 2009 to 2010 and Vice-President of

585-530: Is a large set of proposed legislation detailing how the European Union plans to reach this target. The European Commission 's climate change strategy, launched in 2020, is focused on a promise to make Europe a net-zero emitter of greenhouse gases by 2050 and to demonstrate that economies will develop without increasing resource usage. However, the Green Deal has measures to ensure that nations that are already reliant on fossil fuels are not left behind in

650-414: Is a response to Europe's declining natural environments, with more than 80% of habitats in poor condition. Its goals include protecting the functioning of ecosystem services , climate change mitigation , resilience and autonomy by preventing natural disasters and reducing risks to food security , and restoring damaged ecosystems . The main aim of the European Green Deal is to become climate neutral by

715-487: Is a set of policy initiatives by the European Commission with the overarching aim of making the European Union (EU) climate neutral in 2050. The plan is to review each existing law on its climate merits, and also introduce new legislation on the circular economy (CE), building renovation , biodiversity , farming and innovation . The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen , stated that

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780-542: Is also of the opinion that it "should stop exporting its waste outside of the EU" and it will therefore "revisit the rules on waste shipments and illegal exports" The EU mentioned that "the Commission will also propose to revise the rules on end-of-life vehicles with a view to promoting more circular business models." The European Commission estimates that up to 2030, Europe's green investment offensive will cost an additional €350 billion annually. This policy area

845-404: Is another target area within the European Green Deal. A comprehensive strategy on " Sustainable and Smart mobility " intends to be implemented. This will increase the adoption of sustainable and alternative fuels in road, maritime and air transport and fix the emission standards for combustion-engine vehicles. It also aims to make sustainable alternative solutions available to businesses and

910-618: Is based in Brussels, Belgium. The network is led by an executive committee composed of 12 elected cities and their mayors. The executive committee meets at least three times a year and oversees the annual work programme, internal rules and budget, as approved by the annual general meeting (AGM). Thematic work is coordinated in six forums and a number of related working groups covering, among other topics, culture, economic development, environment, knowledge society, mobility, and social affairs. Eurocities activities include: Advocacy : representing

975-637: Is in favour of both) as a candidate who is forcing a "new ultraliberal agenda" on Slovakia, comparing the second round of elections to a referendum on such an agenda, which he considered to be "in exact contradiction to traditional Christian values". He also stated that "we can not support any further steps towards civil unions or same-sex adoptions because these would go precisely against our traditional Christian values", calling this stance as his "very natural position" due to his Christianity. According to his opinion, discussions about "such experiments bring great unrest to society". Šefčovič supported and welcomed

1040-618: Is now recognised as a leader in circular economy policy making globally. The waste legislation was adopted in 2018, following negotiations with the European Parliament and Member States in the European Council. According to Eurostat, jobs related to circular economy activities have increased by 6% between 2012 and 2016 within the EU. The action plan has also encouraged at least 14 Member States, eight regions, and 11 cities to put forward circular economy strategies. With

1105-418: Is open to any European city with a population of 250,000 or more. Cities within the European Union become full members, and other European cities become associate members. Local authorities of smaller cities, but with a population of more than 50,000 can become partners. Companies and businesses can become associated business partners. European Green Deal The European Green Deal , approved in 2020,

1170-479: Is part of a European recovery that gives more back to the planet than it takes away." The biodiversity strategy is an essential part of the climate change mitigation strategy of the European Union. From the 25% of the European budget that will go to fight climate change, a large portion of that will be dedicated to restoring biodiversity and nature based solutions . The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 includes

1235-443: Is targeting the process of building and renovation in regards to their currently unsustainable methods. Many non-renewable resources are used in the process as well. Thus, the plan focuses on promoting the use of energy efficient building methods such as climate proofing buildings, increasing digitalisation and enforcing rules surrounding the energy performance of buildings. Social housing renovation will also occur in order to reduce

1300-494: Is to restore ecosystems and their biological levels. The official page of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 cites Ursula von der Leyen , President of the European Commission, saying that: "Making nature healthy again is key to our physical and mental wellbeing and is an ally in the fight against climate change and disease outbreaks. It is at the heart of our growth strategy, the European Green Deal, and

1365-548: Is to restore the balance between human activity and nature. At the heart of the Green Deal the Biodiversity and Farm to Fork strategies point to a new and better balance of nature, food systems and biodiversity; to protect our people’s health and well-being, and at the same time to increase the EU’s competitiveness and resilience. These strategies are a crucial part of the great transition we are embarking upon." The program includes

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1430-573: The European Green Deal . Eurocities is sometimes seen as an interest group more focused on re-establishing the power of the city over the nation-state, rather than connecting EU citizens across cities and borders. Recently, EU mayors of the network have tried to raise their global profile for their efforts to tackle climate change. Eurocities coordinates multiple projects in the field of mobility , environmental transition, social inclusion, and digital innovation. The Eurocities secretariat

1495-547: The European Green Deal . The position of European Commissioner for Climate Action was also assigned to Šefčovič on a temporary basis until a permanent successor has been chosen by the Netherlands. On 18 January 2019, Šefčovič announced that he would stand as a candidate in the 2019 Slovak presidential race , with support of the Smer–SD party. In the first round of the election held on 16 March, Šefčovič received 18.66% of

1560-760: The European Social Fund Plus . Some of these programs (such as REACT-EU) also serve to invest in the European Green Deal. In July 2020, a proposed "Green Recovery Act" in the United Kingdom was published by a think tank and academic group, implementing all recommendations of a “Green New Deal” for Europe (which is distinct from the EU Green Deal) and drawing attention to the fact that "car manufacturers in Europe are far behind China" in ending fossil fuel-based production. The same month,

1625-561: The Paris Agreement , and therefore using today's emissions as baseline, since 1990 EU emissions already dropped by 25% at 2019, a 55% reduction target using 1990 as baseline represents in 2019 terms a 40% reduction target, which can be calculated using this equation: ( 0.55 − 0.25 1 − 0.25 ) = 0.40 = 40 % {\displaystyle \left({\frac {0.55-0.25}{1-0.25}}\right)=0.40=40\%} According to

1690-506: The Venezuelan presidential crisis , Šefčovič refused to identify either Nicolás Maduro or Juan Guaidó as legitimate president, stating that "leaning on one or the other side might worsen the situation". Šefčovič rejects the idea of EU federalization , saying he is "against creating a European superstate ", and considers tax policy , autonomous migration policy, and family law issues to be "red lines" which should not be crossed by

1755-456: The migrant crisis and related policies. He emphasised the importance of a speedy deportation policy, so that "people who do not have any business here are sent to their home countries as quickly as possible". Furthermore, he pointed out that "it has to be Slovaks who decide who comes to our country". Šefčovič has criticized Angela Merkel 's actions in this area, labeling her "latest decisions which opened door to mass migration" as something that

1820-479: The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic spreading rapidly within the European Union, the focus on the European Green Deal diminished. Many leaders including the deputy minister, Kowalski, from Poland, a Romanian politician, and the Czech prime minister, Babiš , suggested either a yearly pause or a complete discontinuation of the deal. Many believe the current main focus of the European Union's current policymaking process should be

1885-528: The EU to close the existing investment gap with the US in these strategic sectors. Another target area to achieve the EU's climate goals is the introduction of the Circular Economy Industrial policy. In March 2020, the EU announced their Industrial Strategy with its aim to “empower citizens, revitalises regions and have the best technologies.” Key points of this policy area include boosting

1950-407: The EU. In addition to rehabilitation, investment is required to enable the development of new efficient and ecologically friendly structures. In July 2021, the European Commission released its “ Fit for 55 ” legislation package, which contains important guidelines for the future of the automotive industry : All new cars sold in the EU must be zero-emission vehicles from 2035. In the context of

2015-716: The Emissions Gap Report 2020 by the United Nations Environment Programme , meeting the Paris Agreement's 1.5 °C temperature increase target (with 66% probability) requires GtCO 2 e 34/59 = 57% emissions reduction globally from 2019 levels by 2030, therefore well above the 40% target of the European Green Deal. This 57% emission reduction target at 2030 represents average global reductions, while advanced economies are expected to contribute more. Climate neutrality by

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2080-548: The European Commission for Interinstitutional Relations and Administration from 2010 to 2014. He also served as European Commissioner for Energy from 2014 to 2019. In 2019, he was again nominated to become Vice President for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight. Born in Bratislava , Šefčovič originally enrolled at the University of Economics in his hometown in 1984, but left the university after one year to pursue

2145-542: The European Commission supporting the implementation of the European Green Deal. It is a movement to build a greener Europe, providing a platform to work and learn together, develop solutions, and achieve real change. The Pact provides opportunities for people, communities, and organizations to participate in climate and environmental action across Europe. By pledging to the Pact, European stakeholders commit to taking concrete climate and environmental actions in

2210-522: The European Commission to take up his seat in the European Parliament following the 2019 elections , the Commission's President Jean-Claude Juncker announced that Ansip's portfolio would be transferred to Šefčovič. In September 2019 newly elected president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen nominated Šefčovič as vice president for interinstitutional relations and foresight. From 2021, he co-chaired and represented

2275-494: The European Green Deal in its economic recovery program. Ten countries urged the European Union to adopt the “green recovery plan" as fears grew that the economic hit caused by the COVID-19 pandemic could weaken action on climate change. In May 2020 the leaders of the European Commission argued that the ecological crisis helped create the pandemic, which emphasised the need to advance the European Green Deal. Later that month,

2340-676: The European Green Deal would be Europe's "man on the moon moment". On 13 December 2019, the European Council decided to press ahead with the plan, with an opt-out for Poland . On 15 January 2020, the European Parliament voted to support the deal as well, with requests for higher ambition. A year later, the European Climate Law was passed, which legislated that greenhouse gas emissions should be 55% lower in 2030 compared to 1990. The Fit for 55 package

2405-637: The European Union in the Partnership Council established by the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. In 2023, von der Leyen appointed Šefčovič to fill in for Frans Timmermans as European Commissioner for Climate Action . On 22 August 2023, after Frans Timmermans resigned from the European Commission to run in the 2023 Dutch general election for the GroenLinks–PvdA alliance, Šefčovič succeeded him as Executive Vice-President for

2470-431: The European Union, a large majority of ministers are supporting the push for the deal to begin, alongside the subsiding of the first wave of infections. Representatives from 17 governments signed a letter in mid-April pushing for the deal to continue as a “response to the economic crisis while transforming Europe into a sustainable and climate neutral economy.” In April 2020, the European Parliament called for including

2535-588: The European Union. As part of the European Union response to the COVID-19 pandemic , several economic programs were set up, including the CRII, CRII+, European Social Fund+ and REACT-EU With these programs, flexibility is maintained, and CRII and CRII+ are also able to direct money to crisis repair measures through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), European Social Fund (ESF), Fund for European Aid to Most Deprived (FEAD) or

2600-643: The Member states will update their climate and national energy plans to adhere to the EU's climate goal for 2030. The key principles include: In 2020, the European Commission unveiled its strategy for a greener, cleaner energy future. The EU Strategy for Energy System Integration serves as a framework for an energy transition , which comprises measures to achieve a more circular system, and measures to implement greater direct electrification as well as to develop clean fuels (including hydrogen ). The European Clean Hydrogen Alliance has also been launched as hydrogen has

2665-426: The administration of the Commission and management of some of the Commission's Internal Services; in particular consolidation of administrative reform, personnel and administration, European Schools and security. From 19 April 2014 to 25 May 2014, José Manuel Barroso was an Acting Commissioner in Šefčovič's stead while he was on electoral campaign leave for the 2014 elections to the European Parliament . Šefčovič

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2730-438: The built environment. The EU plans to finance the policies set out in the Green Deal through an investment plan – InvestEU, which forecasts at least €1 trillion in investment. Furthermore, for the EU to reach its goals set out in the deal, it is estimated that approximately €260 billion a year is going to be required by 2030 in investments. Before 1970, almost half of all European residential structures were built. At

2795-451: The burden of transitioning to a greener economy more fairly. This policy means that countries that have more workers in coal and oil shale sectors, as well as those with higher greenhouse emissions, will receive more financial aid. According to Frans Timmermans, this mechanism will also make investment more accessible for those most affected, as well as offering a support package, which will be worth “at least 100 billion euros”. The Mechanism,

2860-534: The following targets: According to the page, approximately half of the global GDP depends on nature. In Europe many parts of the economy that generate trillions € per year, depend on nature. Currently the benefits of Natura 2000 in Europe contribute €200 - €300 billion per year. Florika Fink-Hooijer , Director General of the Directorate-General for the Environment , said that the EU has

2925-422: The immediate, shorter-term crisis rather than climate change. The financial market being under immense stress along with a reduction in economic activity is another factor threatening to derail the European Green Deal. Public and private funds for the policy as well as the EU's GDP being affected by COVID-19 both hinder the budgeting for the policy to take action. However, as recovery processes have begun within

2990-617: The modern aspects of industries, influencing the exploration and creation of “climate neutral” circular economy friendly goods markets. This further entails the “decarbonisation and modernisation of energy-intensive industries such as steel and cement .” A ‘ Sustainable products ’ policy is also projected to be introduced which will focus on reducing the wastage of materials. This aims to ensure products will be reused and recycling processes will be reinforced. The materials particularly focused on include “ textiles , construction, vehicles, batteries, electronics and plastics .” The European Union

3055-413: The next targets: The ‘Zero Pollution Action Plan’ that aims to be adopted by the commission in 2021 intends to achieve no pollution from “all sources”, cleaning the air, water and soil by 2050. The Environment Quality standards are to be fully met, enforcing all industrial activities to be within toxic-free environments. Agricultural and urban industries water management policies will be overlooked to suit

3120-472: The position of the Slovak parliament and government not to ratify the Istanbul Convention (aimed against violence against women and domestic violence ), citing his concerns about so-called " gender ideology ". Refusal to ratify the convention in his opinion confirmed that "Slovakia is built on respect to traditional values". Šefčovič also criticised his opponent Čaputová for her opinions on

3185-547: The price of energy bills for those less able to finance these costs. They aim to triple the renovation rate of all buildings to reduce the pollution emitted during these processes. Digital technologies are important in achieving the European Green Deal's environmental targets. Emerging digital technologies, if correctly applied, have the potential to play a critical role in addressing environmental issues. Smart city mobility, precision agriculture, sustainable supply chains, environmental monitoring, and catastrophe prediction are just

3250-619: The protection of the European Union's biodiversity will be put forth in 2021. Management of forests and maritime areas, environment protection and addressing the issue of losses of species and ecosystems are all aspects of this target area. Restoration of affected ecosystems is intended to occur through implementing organic farming methods , aiding pollination processes, restoring free flowing rivers, reducing pesticides that harm surrounding wildlife and reforestation. The EU wants to protect 30% of land and 30% of sea, whilst creating stricter safeguards around new and old growth forests . Their aim

3315-573: The public. Smart traffic management systems and applications intend to be developed as a solution. Freight delivery methods aim to be altered, with preferred pathways being by land or water. Public transport alterations aim to reduce public congestion as well as pollution. Installations of charging ports for electric vehicles intends to encourage the purchase of low-emission vehicles. The ‘ Single European Sky ’ plan focuses on air traffic management in order to increase safety, flight efficiency and environmentally friendly conditions. A strategy surrounding

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3380-474: The recovery package and the budget of the European Union were generally accepted. The portion of the money that was allocated for climate action grew to 30%. The plan includes some green taxation on European products and on imports, but critics say it is still not enough for achieving the climate targets of the European Union and it is not clear how to ensure that all the money will really go to green projects. The “Just Transition Mechanism”, expects to distribute

3445-548: The same rate. The mechanism to achieve this is called the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). It also includes: It also leans on Horizon Europe , to play a pivotal role in leveraging national public and private investments . Through partnerships with industry and member States, it will support research and innovation on transport technologies, including batteries, clean hydrogen , low-carbon steel making, circular bio-based sectors and

3510-399: The time, no consideration was given to the amount of energy used by materials and standards. At the present rate of refurbishment, reaching a highly energy-efficient and decarbonised building stock might take more than a century. One of the major aims of the European Green Deal is to “at least double or even triple” the current refurbishment rate of approximately 1%. This is also true outside of

3575-455: The transition to renewable energy. The green transition is a top priority for Europe. The EU Member States want to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 from 1990 levels, and become climate neutral by 2050. Von der Leyen appointed Frans Timmermans as Executive Vice President of the European Commission for the European Green Deal in 2019. He was succeeded by Maroš Šefčovič in 2023. The European Climate Pact is an initiative of

3640-495: The use of chemical pesticides , increasing the availability of health food options and aiding consumers to understand the health ratings of products and sustainable packaging. In the official page of the program From Farm to Fork is cited Frans Timmermans the Executive Vice-president of the European Commission, saying that: "The coronavirus crisis has shown how vulnerable we all are, and how important it

3705-448: The voice of cities at EU level, to bring about change on the ground Insights : Monitoring and communicating to cities the latest EU developments, funding opportunities, and trends affecting them Sharing of best practices : Facilitating the exchange of knowledge, experience and good practices between cities to scale up urban solutions Training : develop the capacity to face current and future urban challenges Membership of Eurocities

3770-587: The vote and came in second place after Zuzana Čaputová , who received 40.57% of votes. They both qualified for the second round run-off, which took place on 30 March. Šefčovič was defeated by Čaputová, receiving 41.59% of the vote versus 58.41% of votes for his opponent. During his presidential campaign, Šefčovič repeatedly spoke against legislative changes which would improve the status of LGBT rights in Slovakia , strongly opposing both civil partnerships and same-sex adoptions . He dubbed his opponent Čaputová (who

3835-410: The year of 2050 is the main goal of the European Green Deal. For the EU to reach their target of climate neutrality, one goal is to decarbonise their energy system by aiming to achieve “net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.” Their relevant energy directive is intended to be looked over and adjusted if problem areas arise. Many other in place and present regulations will also be reviewed. In 2023,

3900-513: The year of 2050. The reasons pushing for the plan's creation are based upon the environmental issues such as climate change, a loss of biodiversity , ozone depletion , water pollution , urban stress, waste production and more. The following statistics highlight the climate related issues within the European Union: Global carbon dioxide emissions by country in 2023: All 54 actions were adopted or implemented by 2019. The EU

3965-618: The “ambition to be a standard setter" for global biodiversity policy. The Nature Restoration Law is a regulation of the European Union to protect the EU environments and restore its nature to a good ecological state through renaturation . The law is a core element of the European Green Deal and the EU Biodiversity Strategy and makes the targets set therein for the "restoration of nature" binding. EU member states will have to develop their national restoration plans by 2026. They will have to restore at least 30% of habitats in poor condition by 2030, 60% by 2040, and 90% by 2050. The regulation

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4030-659: The “no harm” policy. Harmful resources such as micro-plastics and chemicals, such as pharmaceuticals , that are threatening the environment aim to be substituted in order to reach this goal. The ‘Farm to Fork’ strategy aids pollution reduction from excess nutrients and sustainable methods of production and transportation. Some formulations of the plan such as "toxic-free" and "zero pollution" have been criticized by Genetic Literacy Project as anti-scientific and contradictory, as any substance can be toxic at specific dose , and almost any life-related process results in "pollution". A reduction in emissions from transportation methods

4095-465: The €750 billion European recovery package (called Next Generation EU ) and the €1 trillion budget were announced. The European Green Deal is part of it. The money will be spent only on projects that meet certain green criteria. 25% of all funding will go to climate change mitigation. Fossil fuels and Nuclear power are excluded from the funding. The recovery package is also intended to restore some equilibrium between rich and poor countries in

4160-402: Was appointed Vice-President of the European Commission for Energy Union in 2014. In July 2015, he brokered an agreement between fifteen countries from central, eastern and southeast Europe to speed up the building of gas links, improve security of supply, reduce their reliance on Russia and develop a fully integrated energy market. When digital single market Andrus Ansip stepped down from

4225-403: Was not "thought-out very well". Šefčovič criticised the then-current president of Slovakia Andrej Kiska and said that he has caused "international isolation of Slovakia". In the matter of Russia–EU relations , Šefčovič emphasised that he does not consider Russia to be any kind of threat. He also criticised imposed sanctions , stating that people are suffering from them. When asked about

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