European Parliament, Czech Republic, environmental policy”>
PRAGUE, June 21, 2025
Green rhetoric vs. reality
A czech MEP’s Green Deal advocacy faces scrutiny amid questions about her parliamentary votes.
- Danuše Nerudová campaigned as a pragmatic supporter of the Green deal.
- Critics question whether her actions in the European Parliament align with her words.
- She participated in the withdrawal of a European Commission proposal in June 2025.
Campaigning for the European Parliament in 2024, Danuše Nerudová presented herself as a champion of the Green Deal. But are Nerudová’s actions in the European Parliament consistent with her public support for the Green Deal? Her voting record and activities are now facing scrutiny.
Campaign promises
Throughout her 2024 campaign,Nerudová emphasized the importance of adapting the Green Deal to the realities faced by Czech entrepreneurs and citizens. She advocated for a pragmatic approach, stating in May 2024 that “We have to make Green Deal Real Deal.” She also criticized EU overreach on issues such as lightbulbs and batteries.
Nerudová stressed the need for predictability for businesses during the green transformation.
What specific regulations do you think are most burdensome for Czech businesses?
did you know? The Green Deal aims to make Europe climate neutral by 2050.
This message resonated with voters who viewed the Green Deal as potentially burdensome to the Czech economy. Her campaign presented her as an opponent of needless regulations.
Parliamentary actions
Despite her rhetoric, some question whether Nerudová’s actions in the European parliament fully align with her stated support for the Green Deal. nerudová actively participated in plenary debates, including those focused on environmental topics.
Did you know? Plenary debates in the European Parliament are public and can be viewed online.
A vote of contention
In June 2025, Nerudová participated in the withdrawal of a European Commission proposal that she deemed impractical for entrepreneurs. This move drew praise from Tomáš Prouza,a former Czech politician and entrepreneur.
On June 20, 2025, prouza posted on X, stating, “The download of the proposal shows that the Commission is seriously taking the need for Green Deal repairs and listening to the voice of entrepreneurs.”
Criticism from across the aisle
Though, the decision also sparked criticism. MEP Ondřej Krutílek accused Nerudová and others of backtracking on the Green Deal. Krutílek stated, “Girls and boys from EPP, including Danuše Nerudová, boast of turning away from the regulation they have invented.”
According to Krutílek,this shift could draw criticism from the Czech government.
The Green Deal’s impact on Czech Businesses
The debate surrounding Danuše Nerudová’s stance on the green Deal highlights a broader discussion: the impact of environmental policies on businesses, specifically within the czech Republic. At the heart of the matter is how the transition to a greener economy affects the competitiveness and operational costs of companies.
The core of the Green Deal involves a wide range of regulations aimed at reducing emissions and promoting sustainability. These measures can considerably impact various sectors.
Key Policy Areas Affecting Czech Businesses
- Energy Efficiency: Requirements for energy-efficient buildings, equipment, and industrial processes can demand new investments and operational adjustments.
- Renewable Energy: Support for renewable energy sources,while potentially offering opportunities,can also lead to fluctuating energy costs and regulatory complexities.
- Emission trading System (ETS): The EU’s ETS imposes costs on carbon emissions. This especially impacts energy-intensive industries, like steel and cement production, key Czech sectors.
- Circular Economy: Policies promoting waste reduction, recycling, and product design for durability could require businesses to rethink their supply chains and production processes.
These regulations, however, can have both negative and positive consequences for czech businesses. Initial compliance can be expensive, leading to short-term cost increases. However, in the long run, businesses that embrace these changes may benefit from increased efficiency, access to green financing, and an improved brand image.
Balancing Act
Nerudová’s expressed concerns echo the sentiment among many Czech business leaders: finding a balance between environmental sustainability and economic viability is crucial. What steps should be taken?
Many Czech businesses believe that the Green Deal introduces too much regulation. However, others see it as an prospect for innovation.
Several steps can help companies navigate this transition. These include:
- Investment in Efficiency: Reducing energy consumption and waste generation.
- Embracing Innovation: Developing new, sustainable products and services.
- Seeking Funding: Access
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