EU's top diplomat under fire again for 'Greta syndrome' remark

(Reuters, 10 Feb 2020) Joseph Borrell said he had doubts about young people's genuine engagement to tackling climate change

BRUSSELS, Feb 10 (Reuters) - The European Commission had to apologise again on Monday for a comment by foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who had questioned young people's commitment to the fight against climate change, referring to it as "Greta syndrome".

Speaking in Brussels on Wednesday, Borrell said he had doubts about young people's genuine engagement to tackling climate change, and questioned whether they were ready to change their lifestyles to help compensate miners and others who will be most affected by measures to cut carbon emissions.

"It is fine to demonstrate for climate change as long as you are not asked to contribute to pay for it," Borrell said, calling this attitude "Greta syndrome" in reference to 17-year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.

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Reuters, 10 Feb 2020: EU's top diplomat under fire again for 'Greta syndrome' remark