Deeply shaken by the COVID-19 outbreak and the crises it has caused, the international community must draw the right lessons and embark on a common path towards a healthier and more resilient society. To this end, this paper argues that the large-scale economic recovery packages currently being drafted represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to accelerate the structural transformation of the economy toward zero pollution, biodiversity restoration, and climate neutrality. The first part of the paper therefore outlines how a green recovery investment plan can unite economic and environmental ambitions, resulting in a double win—in Europe and beyond. However, national recovery efforts must be guided by and embedded in an international political agenda. Addressing the diplomatic void caused by the postponement of major multinational conferences this year, the second part of the paper argues that, on the basis of an ambitious green recovery plan, the European Union can and should be at the forefront of international efforts toward a greener post-COVID-19 world, leading by example and enabling the likeminded to follow.
