In January’s plenary session of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), leading voices from policymaking, academia, and civil society convened to discuss the urgent need for a fair and inclusive approach to climate and biodiversity action. As the EU accelerates its push toward climate neutrality, the EESC has issued a clarion call for a coordinated and inclusive transition.

The panel included prominent experts such as Humberto Delgado Rosa, Director for Biodiversity at the Directorate-General of the Environment, European Commission; Hans Bruyninckx, Professor of Environmental Governance at the University of Antwerp; Friedrich Wulf, International Biodiversity Policy Campaigner at Friends of the Earth; and Anabella Rosemberg, Senior Advisor on Just Transition at Climate Action Network International. Additionally, remotely, Pegah Moulana, Secretary-General of Youth and Environment Europe; Dirk Bergrath, Rapporteur of the opinion on the Towards a Just Transition Legislative Proposal and EU Policy Tools Enabling a More Social European Green Deal (adopted in December 2024); and Maurizio Reale, President of the EESC Sustainable Development.

Together, they explored the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, focusing on the principles of equity and resilience.

The debate concluded with a shared sense of urgency. Panelists agreed that a sustainable and just transition demands collaboration across sectors, generations, and borders. From MrDelgado Rosa’s call for integrated climate-biodiversity solutions to a vision of fairness and resilience, expressed by EESC member Dirk Bergrath, the discussion underscored that climate action must be inclusive and ambitious.

In the mentioned  opinion. the EESC stressed the need to ensure no one is left behind as Europe reshapes its economy to meet its climate goals. During the debate, Mr Bergrath, rapporteur of the opinion, echoed this sentiment, stating: “We want the just transition to be a story where fairness, resilience, and sustainability pave the way toward a greener, more inclusive future—one where jobs and social rights take center stage.”

Mr Bergrath expanded on the EESC’s recommendations, which align with the European Commission’s 2024–2029 priorities. These include a comprehensive just transition policy package focused on social dialogue and collective bargaining as essential tools for managing restructuring. Proposals emphasize addressing skills gaps, developing inclusive training programs, and ensuring that company transition plans are transparent. The EESC also advocates for integrating just transition principles into key EU frameworks, such as the European Pillar of Social Rights and the European Semester.

The EESC has acknowledged that the transition to climate neutrality will impact around 40% of EU workers, with some regions and sectors being disproportionately affected. Mr Bergrath stressed the importance of targeted, place-based solutions to address these challenges. The Just Transition Observatory, a European Commission initiative, was highlighted as crucial for monitoring progress and ensuring no region or community is left behind.

While Europe’s climate goals—such as a 55% emissions reduction by 2030 and achieving net-zero by 2050—are scientifically necessary, public resistance remains a concern. The panelists issued a strong reminder: the fight for a sustainable future is not only about protecting the planet; it’s about ensuring equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all.