Brussels (Brussels Morning) – The EU Parliament recently debated the fallout from the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, WHO, and suspension of USAID. MEPs warned of severe repercussions for global climate action, public health, and aid efforts, urging the EU to fill the leadership void. While some insisted on more ambitious climate action, others criticized the EU’s Green Deal as uneconomical, showing deep divisions on the subject.
The European Parliament held a plenary session on February 12, 2025, to discuss, among other topics, the significant implications of the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the suspension of US development and humanitarian aid (USAID).
The United States’ recent actions represent a major shift in their foreign policy. Under the administration’s “America First” policy, these actions were taken with the intention of reducing the nation’s participation in international obligations and reallocating resources locally. However, these decisions raised alarm among global leaders and international organizations, who feared that such actions could undermine global cooperation and progress on critical issues such as climate change, public health, and international development.
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Adopted in 2015, the Paris Climate Agreement sought to tackle climate change by keeping global warming far below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Since the US remains one of the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases, its withdrawal from the deal is viewed as a major blow to international efforts to combat climate change. Throughout the session, MEPs expressed major concerns about the possible detrimental impacts of U.S. withdrawal on international climate diplomacy and the necessity for the European Union to step up in the wake of this decision.
During the debate, it was a shared notion among the MEPs that any differences of opinion should be put aside in order to open up a dialogue based on mutual trust and understanding. As Michał Szczerba on behalf of the PPE Group pointed out, the goal is to “convince our allies to return to implementing joint projects”.
Commissioner responsible for humanitarian aid, Hadja Lahbib, stressed that the EU must strengthen its dedication to the Paris Agreement and work collaboratively with other nations to fill the void left by the US.
“The executive orders and other measures adopted by President Trump on the first days of his mandate will have a serious impact on the whole multilateral system.
These decisions pose a significant challenge to international cooperation, paramount in addressing the global challenges we are collectively facing, such as climate change, public health and security threats.
We all know the multilateral system today is not perfect. We know that we need to reform it, and we are committed to doing so. However, respect for the multilateral rules-based order is the only guarantee to global peace, security and prosperity” Ms. Lahbib stated.
Will the 2050 climate target be achieved?
Many voiced concerns about Europe failing to achieve its climate goals due to this recent action. In fact, Michael Bloss (Verts/ALE) reminded everyone that on February 10, there was an important deadline: according to the rules of the Paris Agreement, the European Union should have submitted its climate target, its NDC. Something that, although not a major setback, has not happened. Mr. Bloss called for action stating that to retain credibility, the EU must uphold and follow the set rules.
Marta Temido (S&D) echoed this sentiment, noting that the withdrawal of the World Health Organization will remove 330 million people from the Global Coordination of Responses to International Health Emergencies, putting the entire population at risk. Adding to that, Marc Botenga (The Left) highlighted that the United States have also withdrawn from the Human Rights Council of the United Nations.
Unfortunately, there have also been concerns that decisions like these are not a distinct incident. Marit Maij (S&D) said, “The reform of USAID does not take place in isolation. It is a trend, a global trend to cut development assistance, we see this in the EU and in the Member States.”
As a possible solution, Jonas Sjöstedt (The Left) insisted on responding to the Trump administration by imposing tariffs on the most climate-damaging products. “By introducing climate tariffs earlier than planned, we can respond aggressively to those who do not take responsibility for the future of the planet” he noted.
The flip side of the coin
But the opinions heard during the plenary session were not unanimous. In fact, it was mentioned time and time again that the Green Deal may no longer be beneficial for the EU as it could prove detrimental to local economies. More specifically, MEPs Ondřej Knotek (PfE) and Alexandr Vondra (ECR), supported that the Green Deal is not an economically viable option due to its strict regulations. Further than that, they both voiced concerns about China’s leading role in the green transition and adoption of new technologies, stressing that Europe may be left behind.
“The EU must undergo painful self‑assessment and admit that we are on the wrong track. The Green Deal needs a deep reform. It is not a growth strategy. It is costly, self-inflicted policy resulting in economic poverty and mistrust in politics.” Mr. Vondra stated.
Christine Anderson (ESN) reiterated this by urging the Green Deal to be dropped. She voiced strong support for President Trump and his decision to cut funding for USAID and withdraw from the WHO, describing these moves as necessary to counter what she called the “man-made climate change hoax.” She also proposed that Europe should follow the United States’ example and consider adopting a project similar to America’s Doge.
The path forward
Looking forward, Ms. Lahbib concluded that the EU has no choice but to adapt for the changing world order and to respond to it. She did, however, emphasize that the European Commission remains committed to their values and objectives and will continue to stand up for multilateral cooperation and work with partners to this end.
We will continue to lead on climate and on global health security for all, and as Commissioner responsible for humanitarian aid, I can assure you the EU will continue its strong humanitarian action for two simple and important reasons: it is who we are and it is in our own interests as well.
