In December 2019, the European Commission (EC) presented the European Green Deal (EGD), a “new growth strategy” consisting of a broad and ambitious roadmap aiming to transform the EU into a fair and prosperous society, with a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy.  It’s main aim is to “make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, boosting the economy, improving people’s health and quality of life, caring for nature, and leaving no one behind”. 

Plans under the Green Deal include:

  • A new European Climate Law (the first draft was published in March 2020)
  • A 50-55% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (previously 40%)
  • A circular economy action plan
  • A flagship building renovation programme
  • A new biodiversity strategy to tackle deforestation, soil and water pollution
  • A healthier agricultural system, with reduced use of chemical pesticides, fertilisers and antibiotics
  • A low-carbon transport sector, with more electric vehicles and hybrid fuels

Source: Press Release on ec.europa.eu 

The Youth from across Europe have raised their voices

As a result of joint forces from multiple organisations we are pleased to present ‘The Youth Proposal for a Green Deal for Europe’. This proposal highlights the need for change, the need for a better future that is socially just and ecologically sound. Not only must our future include healthier environments, restoration of the commons and reduced pollution, we are pushing for better access to education, a respect for different cultural backgrounds and the redistribution of wealth to support the Global South. This is not just a vision for the future of the environment, it is one for people across the world to bring forth climate justice and social justice.

Read ‘The Youth Proposal for a Green Deal for Europe’ by clicking the PDF below!

Read the visions for a socially just and more sustainable future here!

System Reset: what is it?

We are part of a pan-European project, led by Friends of the Earth groups in Malta, Ireland, Denmark, Estonia, North Macedonia, Cyprus, Spain, Croatia and Austria. Our aim is to build platforms across Europe to bring young people from under-represented communities into multi-levelled decision-making and build strong, collective visions for a socially just and ecologically sound future. We strive for intersectionality and inclusiveness.

If you want to learn more about ongoing Young Friends of the Earth events, visit their page.

Our Blog

The Aarhus Convention: Your Right to Know, Speak Up & Act for the Environment!

The Aarhus Convention: Your Right to Know, Speak Up & Act for the Environment!

The Aarhus Convention is an international treaty (agreement) that gives people and NGOs three key rights when it comes to environmental matters:
Access to Information – People have the right to know about pollution, land use, and environmental risks.
Public Participation – Citizens should have a say in decisions about major projects, policies, and laws.
Access to Justice – If authorities fail to protect the environment, people should be able to challenge them in court.

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Exploring Climate Emotions: Understanding and Naming Our Connection to the Environment

Exploring Climate Emotions: Understanding and Naming Our Connection to the Environment

The EIB Climate Survey made the headlines earlier in November and it was quite a reality check (if anyone still needs one) with very worrying results showing that over 80% of Maltese fear they will be forced to move due to climate change while 99% recognise it is important for their country to adapt to these challenges. Climate anxiety is on the rise and many feel that not enough is being done. To address this rising trend Friends of the Earth Malta partnered up with environmental and mental health NGOs from Estonia, Germany and Denmark on the EU funded project CALM-EY: Coping with Climate Anxiety: Learning Methods for Mental Health for European Youth (2023-2025).

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Updates from the CALM-EY project

Updates from the CALM-EY project

The EIB Climate Survey made the headlines earlier in November and it was quite a reality check (if anyone still needs one) with very worrying results showing that over 80% of Maltese fear they will be forced to move due to climate change while 99% recognise it is important for their country to adapt to these challenges. Climate anxiety is on the rise and many feel that not enough is being done. To address this rising trend Friends of the Earth Malta partnered up with environmental and mental health NGOs from Estonia, Germany and Denmark on the EU funded project CALM-EY: Coping with Climate Anxiety: Learning Methods for Mental Health for European Youth (2023-2025).

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SOS Project – Save our Shores: Stop Wealthy Polluters

Cruise liners, superyachts, and other large ships are causing serious environmental, social and health problems in the Mediterranean Sea. These vessels often burn heavy fuel oil (HFO) and other highly polluting fuels, causing air pollution, contributing to the climate crisis, and affecting the health of local communities. The SOS Project tackles these environmental and social impacts of Malta’s booming maritime industry.

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Prioritize Public Transport, Not Private Car Subsidies!

Prioritize Public Transport, Not Private Car Subsidies!

Government’s secret decision to shift European Union funds from electrification of public buses to private cars has not been communicated with or approved by the European Commission. Environmental NGOs Friends of the Earth Malta, Moviment Graffitti and Rota encourage people to speak up and sign the parliamentary petition to demand a democratic discussion on this proposed shift of public funding from public to private transport. 

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EU Competitiveness Compass must safeguard social and environmental protections

Friends of the Earth Malta is among over 270 civil society organisations, trade unions, consumer groups, farmers organisations, civil rights groups and environmental organisations representing millions of citizens, who call on European Commission’s President Ursula von der Leyen to shun deregulation and prioritise the protection of people, nature, and democracy in its decision-making processes. This warning comes ahead of the announcement of the EU Competitiveness Compass, which is supposed to guide the EU's efforts in enhancing its "economic competitiveness".

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This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This webpage reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

This project is co-financed by the Ministry for Education and Employment (MEDE) and the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Sport and Voluntary Organisations.

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