EU Lawmakers Delay Decision on New Climate Policy Chief, Nominee Vows to Continue Green Deal and Implement Global Fossil Fuel Taxes

The European Parliament's environment committee has delayed a decision on whether to accept Wopke Hoekstra as the EU's next climate change policy chief. Hoekstra, a former Dutch foreign minister, sought lawmakers' backing in a three-hour hearing and outlined his plans, including setting science-based climate goals and cracking down on fossil fuel subsidies. The decision is now due on Tuesday afternoon, following a hearing for Maros Sefcovic, the nominee for coordinating the EU's overall green policies. Some lawmakers expressed the need for more information before approving Hoekstra, while tensions over climate action rise amid global warming and competition in green technology manufacturing.