Csaba Borboly Signs European Manifesto Calling for Stronger Environmental Policies

The Green Social Summit, held at the European Parliament on 1 July 2026, highlighted the need to reconcile environmental protection, social justice and economic competitiveness. The manifesto developed following the event, dated 9 November 2026 in Brussels, calls for strengthening the European green agenda and consistently implementing the EU’s environmental commitments.

The document warns that Europe is the fastest-warming continent in the world, with temperatures rising at more than twice the global average rate. At the same time, biodiversity loss, the deterioration of natural habitats, droughts and extreme weather events are posing increasingly serious challenges.

According to the manifesto, the European Union needs a renewed green agenda that responds to today’s challenges while combining environmental sustainability with economic competitiveness, strategic autonomy and social justice.

European Environmental Decisions Also Matter for Szeklerland

According to Csaba Borboly, the future of European environmental policies directly affects the lives of rural and mountain communities, including those in Harghita County and throughout Szeklerland.

“For us, climate change is neither a distant nor a purely theoretical issue. Droughts, extreme weather events, the protection of water resources, the condition of our forests and the conservation of mountain biodiversity are all matters that affect the everyday lives of farmers, families and local communities. This is precisely why the specific circumstances of rural and mountain regions must be properly taken into account in European decision-making,” said Csaba Borboly.

He emphasised that achieving environmental objectives must not create disproportionate financial and administrative burdens for smaller local authorities, farmers and local businesses.

As a Member of the European Committee of the Regions, Csaba Borboly consistently advocates European solutions that, alongside environmental protection requirements, provide adequate funding, technical assistance and measures adapted to local conditions.

Protecting Water Resources and Preserving the LIFE Programme Among Key Priorities

The manifesto supported by Csaba Borboly promotes several concrete measures in European policymaking.

These include maintaining the objectives of the European Green Deal, preserving the safeguards established by the Water Framework Directive, and strengthening the Birds and Habitats Directives. The document also places particular emphasis on climate change adaptation and increasing resilience to natural risks.

Another important priority is the future of the LIFE programme. The manifesto’s initiators call on the European Union to preserve and strengthen this environmental and climate funding instrument within the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework. To date, the programme has contributed to the co-financing of more than 6,000 projects and mobilised over €12 billion.

According to Csaba Borboly, the LIFE programme and similar European funding instruments can be particularly important for rural and mountain communities, where nature conservation measures, water resource management and climate adaptation often exceed the financial capacities of local budgets.

“It is not enough to establish new objectives and obligations. We must also provide the financial resources and technical expertise needed to achieve them. Mountain communities do not need additional burdens, but genuine partnerships and concrete support,” he emphasised.

The Green Transition Must Also Strengthen Local Economies

The manifesto also calls for closer integration of industrial policy, the circular economy and social justice. Its proposals include developing a European legislative framework for the circular economy that encourages repairing, reusing and recycling products, reduces dependence on imports and creates new economic opportunities within Europe.

Csaba Borboly believes that the green transition can only succeed if its benefits are also felt in smaller communities, without putting local livelihoods at risk.

“Nature conservation and economic development must not be treated as opposing goals. We need solutions that protect our natural heritage, support local businesses and give young people the opportunity to build a future at home. To achieve this, European funds must also reach smaller communities,” stressed the Vice-President of Harghita County Council.

Decisions Shaping the Future Must Be Made Today

The manifesto, dated 9 November, also highlights the importance of basing environmental and climate decisions on scientific evidence while combating misinformation and climate change denial.

One of the document’s central messages is that political decision-making must look beyond the next electoral cycle and take into account long-term social, economic and environmental consequences.

By signing the manifesto, Csaba Borboly expresses his support for this long-term approach, with particular attention to the interests of rural and mountain communities.

“I signed this document because I am convinced that when we help shape European environmental and development policies, we are also making decisions that affect the future of Szeklerland. Preserving our natural heritage, safeguarding family livelihoods and supporting economic development are shared responsibilities. Rather than setting these objectives against one another, we must find solutions that serve all three,” stated Csaba Borboly, Vice-President of Harghita County Council.