EU climate chief warns against changing green rules to aid industry

Europe’s climate chief Wopke Hoekstra says stability in green policies, not constant tweaks, is key to balancing climate goals with industrial growth.

Zia Weise and Barbara Moens report for POLITICO.

In short:

• Wopke Hoekstra argues that revising the EU’s climate rules will not help struggling industries, urging policy predictability instead.
• He points to business concerns that frequent regulatory changes disrupt long-term investments, particularly in heavy industries.
• His position contrasts with his own center-right European People’s Party, which has pushed for easing some green regulations.

Key quote:

“Many companies are asking for predictability and staying the course rather than changing the rules of the game simply because they cannot cope.”

— Wopke Hoekstra, EU climate chief

Why this matters:

Frequent changes to climate policies can hinder industry growth by undermining long-term investment plans. Stable regulations are essential for achieving both climate goals and economic competitiveness in Europe.

Related: Europe's push for a greener future amid rising protests