Why give
a vote?
Environment
Climate change
The EU is the world leader in terms of protecting the environment and fighting climate change. 20% of the EU budget goes towards climate actions.
Under the Paris Agreement, the 2030 targets are even more ambitious than before: a 40% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels. There are many mechanisms the EU uses to achieve the targets.
Funding environmental projects
Big or small, the EU funds many environmental projects and NGOs.
Environmental NGOs working on nature, biodiversity, circular economy and quality of life get funding through the LIFE programme every year. WWF Europe, Climate Action Network Europe, Friends of the Earth Europe, BirdLife Europe, and Slow Food are just a few of the environmental, European, non-profit NGOs that receive EU funding.
Local authorities also receive support from the EU on their environmental projects and programmes.
Protecting animals
They’re cute and we love them to bits. Even the dangerous ones are essential for our environment. The EU has created legislation to protect animals in all sorts of contexts.
Through EU law you can bring your pets with you when travelling to another EU country. Farm animals get decent conditions, are protected from pain and have to be allowed to express their normal behaviours. The EU recognises animals as sentient beings and creates rules accordingly.
Wild animals in the EU are protected in special nature areas. Plus, the EU is hard on wildlife trafficking and support biodiversity protection around the world.
Getting rid of single-use plastics
Of the 8 billion plastic bags we use in Europe every year, many end up in our waters as marine litter. They stick around for hundreds of years and cause huge damage on the wildlife.
EU countries are required to implement measures to reduce the use of plastic bags. The next target is the most commonly used plastics on beaches like single-use straws, plates, cups, etc. Plus, the EU wants to make sure all plastic packaging is recyclable by 2030.