Welcome to The Gender Diplomat! Different format this week.

🌎 Did you know that in 2019 more than 200 million Europeans in 28 EU member states voted in the European elections, resulting in a turnout of just 51%?

This year marks the return of the European elections, and since every gesture counts, I'm eager to raise awareness and analyse critical issues in an attempt to increase voter participation in my networks. From security and defence, to geopolitical autonomy, enlargement, cybersecurity or AI, there's a lot to cover. As I'm not a know-it-all, I'm inviting thematic experts of different ages and backgrounds. So first off we have…

🇪🇺 Climate policy for a sustainable future with Francisco Paupério *

* Francisco is both a PhD and EU elections candidate

📚Background: The link between climate policy and inequality is increasingly evident, with marginalised communities disproportionately bearing the brunt of environmental degradation and extreme weather events. These vulnerable populations often lack the resources and resilience to cope with the impacts of climate change, exacerbating existing inequalities and widening the gap between rich and poor.

💭 Problems: In recent years, climate change and socioeconomic inequality have become crucial concerns, shaping policy agendas worldwide. Amid these pressing issues, the EU leads in crafting comprehensive policies that address both concerns simultaneously. Its multifaceted approach to climate policy prioritises environmental sustainability, social equity, and inclusivity. Recognising the intrinsic link between climate action and inequality, the EU emphasises the importance of a fair and just transition to a sustainable future for all members of society.

The Nature Restoration Law exemplified these policies, proposing ecosystem and species protection across the EU. It set mandatory targets for the recovery of various habitats, including pollinators, rivers, forests, marine ecosystems, urban areas, and peatlands. The law also aimed to restore 20% of EU terrestrial and marine territories by 2030.

🔄 Implications: The passage of this law marked a pivotal moment in environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. Presently, 81% of habitats within the EU are in poor condition, leading to a concerning decline in vital pollinators like bees and butterflies, which disrupts terrestrial ecosystems. The Nature Restoration Law seeks to address this decline by prioritizing habitat recovery and species conservation. By safeguarding our natural environment, we directly combat the impacts of climate change and work towards reducing future inequalities

During negotiations in the Environment Committee, the proposed law encountered opposition from the EPP Group, leading to a deadlock in the vote. Their claim that the law could jeopardize food security and the agricultural economy overlooks the critical role of ecosystem conservation in maintaining environmental sustainability and balance. Regrettably, a coalition formed by the EPP, conservatives, and far-right resulted in significant reductions to the law's targets and goals, setting a concerning precedent.

🧠 Reflections: The upcoming EU elections, scheduled for June 2024, are a big deal for climate and inequality. Polls indicate a potential majority for right-wing and far-right parties for the first time in EU history, potentially allowing them to nominate the President of the European Commission. This change could profoundly alter our trajectory, with climate and social concerns potentially downplayed and inequalities exacerbated. The EU’s political landscape remains subject to change, but we have just four months left to influence the political priorities on this important nexus. The next European Parliament and Commission must take urgent decisions, not least because the EU's role in promoting climate resilience and sustainable development has never been more important. 🇪🇺

⚡ Growing in and out of your 9 to 5

JOBS

• Traineeship @ European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE).

• Gender Affairs Officer @ UN Assistance Mission for Afghanistan (UNAMA).

• Temporary Staff @ NATO HQ.

• Blue Book Traineeships will open next week.

• Program Assistant @ Coalition for the ICC.

GROWTH

• Check the EUI Migration Summer School.

• Interested in NATO, digital diplomacy and the WPS Agenda? Read NATO's Digital Diplomacy chapter by Katharine A.M.Wright (Oxford University Press).

• Check the new ALMA mobility program for Portuguese citizens.

• Learn why the future of jobs is green (World Economic Forum).

See you next week!👩🏻‍💻