So far, the construction of the Tesla Gigafactory in Grünheide has only been driven forward with preliminary approvals, but without sufficient environmental assessment. This violates applicable EU law, as EU Environment Commissioner Sinkevičius stated in response to a parliamentary question from Manuela Ripa back in September. The hastily issued building permits should have been preceded by a comprehensive impact assessment. The urgent decision by the competent administrative court was therefore a correct and consistent step in complying with European environmental law.

The ban on deforestation now gives the responsible authorities the opportunity to carry out a detailed investigation. Manuela Ripa calls on the EU Commissioner to pay particular attention to the case: "I therefore ask you to take this matter up personally and look into the case," writes Ripa. "As Europeans, we are proud of our constitutional procedures. We are particularly proud of the fact that we are planning a large and complex project with the European Green Deal. However, we must constantly ensure that we do not throw the baby out with the bathwater, which is precisely why your voice is of paramount importance in the current situation."