On Wednesday, the main topic of discussion in the Chamber's Environmental Commission were the four submitted motions addressing the climate crisis.

The four motions were submitted in December, shortly after the results of the COP28, explains CSV MP Paul Galles:

"It was said at that point, that it would be interesting to combine these four motions into one. This unified motion would represent a unanimous stance for the Chamber. Although the content didn't cause much disagreement, the question was whether they could be merged together and whether it would be possible to work on something jointly. In the end, we decided to keep them separate. We then worked on each motion to make sure everyone could agree, and we managed to do so."

Although addressing the same topic, each motion deals with specific aspects. Galles' motion, for instance, calls for the government to revise the Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNEC) more extensively. Meanwhile, Green Party MP Joelle Welfring's motion demands that the government provide timely updates on the specific measures outlined in the Energy and Climate Plan:

"We need to motivate the current government to keep acting with the same urgency. I'm very happy that the motion was accepted, even after a couple of small changes."

Franz Fayot, director of the LSAP party, submitted two motions. The first focuses on advocating for international climate justice, while the second calls for a swift transition towards stronger financing to support climate objectives.

Christophe Hansen, President of the Environmental Commission, emphasised that such action must be undertaken at the European level.

"We know that we're not alone in this. Despite being fully committed to green finance and show a strong and  united front, the government must ensure that there is stronger emphasis on sustainable finance at the European level."

Meanwhile, the new climate law will be voted on in the Chamber on Thursday afternoon.