Former Belgian MEP Philippe Lamberts has been appointed advisor for the transition to a climate-neutral economy by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The Commission President confirmed the news on Monday ahead of a crucial vote on her new team. Within her announcement, she has called on the Greens to support the new 2024-2029 Commission.
Lamberts, 61, who was leader of the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament for ten years, will advise von der Leyen on achieving the 2030 climate targets, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050.
"He brings extensive experience and a wide political network, both internationally and in the business world," said the European Commission.
Leading a "small team of experts," the Anderlecht native will "build bridges" between stakeholders (businesses, civil society, politicians, administrations, and vulnerable groups). "It’s crucial to better explain the transition, implement existing legislation in a simplified manner, and ensure no one is left behind," the Commission stated.
The timing of the announcement is significant, as many Green MEPs feel overlooked by von der Leyen’s new Commission lineup, which the Parliament will vote on Wednesday. Although anticipated for months, Lamberts’ appointment is seen as a gesture of goodwill from von der Leyen to the Greens.
Von der Leyen emphasised the importance of cooperation with the Greens/EFA group. "Their collaboration has been constructive during the current mandate, and they played a vital role in ensuring a pro-European majority at my re-election as Commission President last July," she said.
"My goal is to continue working with the pro-European majority in the European Parliament, particularly on topics like achieving our climate targets, the Clean Industry Pact, reducing bureaucracy, and planetary commitments. Philippe Lamberts, respected by all parties and sectors, will be a reliable bridge-builder on the path to climate neutrality," she added.
A critical voice of the Commission for the past fifteen years, Lamberts nevertheless supported the European Green Deal and other policies of the European executive since 2019. Last year, he described von der Leyen as "the greatest President of the European Commission since Jacques Delors."
