But that reputation is now being firmly tested, after it toned down its climate policies following angry farmer protests that are taking place across the continent.
The European Commission, the executive arm of the EU, now intends to scrap a plan to halve pesticide use.
Speaking to CNBC Thursday, the EU's Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski said he was "happy" about the U-turns because they were not "fully fair."
The EU wants to become carbon neutral by 2050.
It also wants to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.
Persons:
Janusz Wojciechowski, Wojciechowski, Europe's, Alberto Alemanno, Alemanno
Organizations:
European Commission, EU, CNBC, Paris Business School
Locations:
H.E.C