Commission shows that climate protection and job security are not mutually exclusive / positive effects for economy expected / now we have to increase pressure on other countries and regions of the world


“Whoever has visions should go to the doctor”, said former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt (SPD). "But I think it is good if the European Union has visions and the advantage of this vision is that the European Commission not only sets out a goal, but also very specifically sets out how this goal can be achieved without losing jobs and even with additional growth." This was explained by the environmental policy spokesperson of the largest political Group in the European Parliament (EPP, Christian Democrats) Dr Peter Liese on the presentation of the European Commission's strategy for a climate-neutral Europe in 2050. "The extremely dry and hot summer, as well as the scientists' report, show that we must act. At the same time, however, it is important to bring also people on board who work in coal and energy-intensive industry. Only if we reconcile economic growth, job security and climate protection, the rest of the world will follow us. The European Commission has put forward some good proposals in this regard. I am sure that we will support the strategy in the European Parliament with a large majority. Now, is the time to convince other countries and regions of the world. The commitments made so far by the Parties only limit global warming to around 3°C degree. However, we must achieve at least 2°C. Europe must do more to achieve this, but even if we stopped emitting immediately, it would not help the climate decisively. We must therefore step up our efforts and dialogue with other countries such as China", concluded Liese.


MEP Françoise Grossetête, Vice-President of the EPP group added: “climate change is a matter of emergency for our societies and the EU has always been at the forefront of the fight for a greener future. We, in the EPP, believe this is entirely complementary with social and economic growth and it is the role of regulation to pave the way for a clever and prosperous energy transition. Innovation and new technologies will allow our industry to be less energy-intensive and more competitive. The European Commission's strategy for a climate-neutral Europe in 2050 goes in this direction and will help Europe lead by example.”