The Berlin-Rome axis threatens EU climate leadership through shortsighted deregulation
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/profile/editorial. "The Guardian view on Merz and Meloni: an emerging Berlin-Rome axis is threatening the EU’s green deal | Editorial | The Guardian." February 19, 2026. www.theguardian.com
The Gist
The Guardian argues that Germany's Merz and Italy's Meloni are making a big mistake by weakening EU environmental rules to help businesses. They say this will hurt Europe's economy and climate goals in the long run, especially when Europe needs to lead on climate action while Trump is in power.
Conclusion
The deregulatory agenda being pushed by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni threatens the EU's green deal and climate leadership, which is economically and ethically flawed policy
Premises
- The EU's green deal (2019) demonstrated strategic foresight and global leadership by setting climate neutrality goals by mid-century
- Russia's war in Ukraine has proven that Europe's energy security and future prosperity depend on transitioning away from fossil fuels
- The EU's emissions trading system has achieved dramatic results in driving down emissions since 2005 and encouraging green innovation
- The Berlin-Rome axis has already succeeded in diluting key environmental policies, including weakening 2035 vehicle bans and 2040 emission targets
- Competition from China underlines the importance of moving faster toward green industrial strategy, not slower
- Mario Draghi has argued that true competitiveness requires sustained investment and bold green industrial strategy
- With Trump undermining international climate efforts, Europe's role as climate leader is more vital than ever
Assumptions
- Environmental regulation drives rather than hinders long-term economic competitiveness
- The green transition is economically beneficial rather than burdensome
- Corporate lobbying against environmental rules is primarily self-interested rather than economically sound
- Climate leadership requires maintaining rather than relaxing environmental standards
- Deregulation is insufficient as a growth strategy in the current global context