The Vice-President of the European Commission has attacked climate change sceptics for lying to the public, which is dangerous and stupid.

The European Commission’s deputy executive vice-president, Teresa Ribera, has sharply criticized politicians who question climate change, accusing them of “lying to citizens” and endangering their lives during one of the worst wildfire seasons in recent years. Speaking from Madrid, Ribera condemned the growing number of lawmakers in the European Parliament and member states who challenge climate science and the need for climate action. She described such skepticism as both dangerous and foolish, drawing direct parallels between denying the link between climate change and wildfires and claiming that drinking whiskey and driving a car have no connection to road accidents. Ribera emphasized that climate change is creating a new type of fire, intensified, more frequent, and increasingly threatening human life, infrastructure, and ecosystems. She pointed to the record-breaking heatwave at the end of June, which resulted in over 10,000 excess deaths across Europe. The timing of her remarks comes amid heightened political tensions within the EU, as the bloc has gradually shifted focus away from ambitious climate policies since the start of Ursula von der Leyen’s mandate. Her comments reflect concerns that some member states and political groups are pushing for weaker environmental regulations to boost competitiveness against countries like the United States and China. Among the proposed changes are measures to ease methane emission rules, which would require oil and gas producers to reduce and monitor emissions, and a weakening of nature restoration directives considered crucial for protecting forests and wetlands. Ribera warned that abandoning these policies would be a mistake, stressing that simplifying regulations does not mean discarding the foundation of the EU’s Green Deal. “The real answer is not to remove everything on which our green foundations for future prosperity are built,” she concluded. The debate over climate policy has intensified in recent months, with several member states and political factions advocating for reduced regulatory burdens on businesses. These proposals aim to make European industries more competitive globally, particularly in sectors where stricter environmental standards could increase operational costs. However, critics argue that such moves risk undermining long-term sustainability goals and exacerbating environmental risks. The European Commission has been under pressure to balance economic growth with climate commitments, especially as global energy markets remain volatile and geopolitical tensions continue to shape international trade dynamics. In response to the rising calls for deregulation, Ribera reiterated the importance of maintaining robust climate frameworks. She highlighted that while certain regulations can be streamlined, the core principles of the Green Deal must remain intact. This stance aligns with broader efforts within the EU to ensure that climate action remains a central pillar of its strategic priorities. At the same time, the commission faces challenges in navigating the complex interplay between environmental protection, economic growth, and political consensus among member states. As the summer continues, the issue of climate skepticism remains a contentious topic, with public discourse shaped by both scientific evidence and political agendas. The ongoing wildfire crisis serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of delayed or weakened climate action. With the EU’s leadership facing mounting scrutiny, the coming weeks will likely see further debates over how best to reconcile environmental responsibility with economic resilience. For now, Ribera’s firm condemnation of climate denial underscores the urgency of addressing the challenges posed by a changing climate.