EU clean transition dialogues
Sectoral approach needs to harness regional strengths
The European Commission today published outcomes of ‘dialogues’ it has held with key European industries integral for the transition to the clean economies of the future.
As a result of the dialogues, the Commission is proposing ‘a reinforced industrial approach’ with building blocks that include simplified regulation, access to finance and a stronger Single Market.
Jakob Hafele, executive director at ZOE Institute for Future-fit Economies, commented:
“It’s all well and good that the European Commission has had sector-specific dialogues, but a sectoral approach must be embedded in a whole-of-Europe approach.
“Only in unity can the EU stay a leader in the industries of the future. It’s essential to have a pan-European coordinated approach that capitalises on the economic strengths of all countries and regions. For example, the success stories of the Polish-Slovak-Czech ‘heat pump valley’ and Polish-Hungarian battery production show how regional strengths and skills can be brought together. If member states and regions are pitted against each other in the development of clean industries then the whole of Europe will lose.
“The Commission’s focus on reducing regulation is worrying – this risks a stop-go approach. Regulation needs to create certainty and a long-term perspective for the companies that really want to be part of the green future of the EU.”
Today’s stocktake will feed into the discussion of EU leaders at the upcoming European Council on the next steps in Europe’s clean transition.
ZOE Institute for Future-fit Economies has published a proposal for a Unified Industrial Transition Pact to drive forward Europe‘s industrial modernisation in the coming years. The Pact aims to:
- Strengthen European cohesion and cooperation
- Position the EU as a global player
- Enhance industrial competitiveness and technological leadership
- Promote the EU’s strategic autonomy
