The European Landscape Contractors Association (ELCA) has, along with 58 other organizations and companies, signed a statement urging the EU to ensure the continuation of the European Green Deal and utilise existing environmental standards to strengthen European businesses while also serving the climate and nature. The signatories are leaders in sustainable practices within a wide variety of sectors across Europe and represent over 800,000 employees and more than € 207 billion in 2023 alone. This statement is an acknowledgement of the importance of strong EU-wide laws that provide a unified framework and protect the resilience of businesses at a time where economic losses due to extreme weather are worsening every year.

Egbert Roozen, Secretary General of ELCA: “The European Green Deal is a historic step to a sustainable future for us and generations to come. The societal challenges on climate change, biodiversity loss and pressure on public health are huge. We have welcomed the EU Green Deal with all its potential and are pleading now for continuing and reinforcing the initiatives. We as the landscape garden sector want to play our part with our knowledge and expertise on the creation and maintenance of nature-based solutions. Landscapers and gardeners all over Europe are ready for it. There is no need to waste time.”

No backtracking In the past few years, the EU achieved significant progress with the EU Green Deal. Backtracking now effectively presses the “undo” button on the most important achievements of the 2019-2024 Commission. Attempts to roll back or dilute existing environmental and climate laws threaten to undermine the significant investments already made by businesses to align with the EU Green Deal. Weakening regulations — whether through lowering standards, backtracking on international commitments, or reducing climate ambition — would erode the stability and predictability that companies depend on for strategic planning. What European businesses need is a consistent regulatory framework, a level playing field, and a strong commitment to continuing Europe’s leadership in sustainable innovation. As we approach a critical juncture in the transition, continuing to invest in renewable energy, green technologies and nature-based solutions is not just an option, but an urgent necessity to propel us forward.

With this statement, the signatories urge the European Commission and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to stand firm on existing and upcoming environmental standards and to actively champion businesses by prioritising smart and consistent implementation. The stakes are high: maintaining environmental ambition and ensuring consistent, fair implementation are essential to ensure that the EU can nurture a transparent, competitive business environment while driving sustainable economic growth. Now more than ever, the EU must seize this opportunity to foster a transparent, future-proof business environment – or risk undermining both its climate goals and economic resilience.

If you like to know more, mail contact@elca.info