But others disagree. “I would be very concerned,” about efforts to reopen the texts, said a second EU diplomat. Since capitals are “in the middle” of transposing them into national law, doing so “would be extremely counterproductive,” the person added, slowing their enforcement.
Beyond logistical difficulties, overhauling the laws could make it “more difficult” to reach the EU’s target of slashing emissions by 55 percent this decade, said Mats Engström, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations.
Given the larger number of right-leaning MEPs in the Parliament who oppose stringent climate legislation, he added, “there are big political risks” involved, including ultimately “a significant weakening that goes further than what the Commission proposes” once it reaches lawmakers.
That also extends to EU country negotiators. “Let’s address this wisely,” warned a third EU diplomat. “I’m just afraid we’ll get this shoved down our throats,” the diplomat argued, creating “an impossible discussion” among capitals.
Brussels has set a provisional date of May 21 to present its proposed revisions, one of the people familiar with the matter said. The Commission declined to comment on its plans.