MEPs raise concerns over ‘green’ claims of EU Covid recovery fund

672bn fund could pay for projects including building pylons next to a protected natural habitat

The EU's landmark 672.5bn (579bn) Covid fund for a green recovery" could finance construction of electricity pylons by a protected natural habitat, the purchase of diesel-fuelled tractors and new furnaces at a controversial steel plant, under member states' national plans.

An assessment by MEPs of the funding proposals from 23 member states so far submitted to the European Commission found a legion of examples of projects that it is claimed risk undermining the green credentials of the recovery and resilience facility (RRF).