First steps towards climate-neutral industry

Today, the European Commission presented the new Industrial Strategy, which focuses on the Green Deal and digitisation. The Greens/EFA group have been calling for the Industrial Strategy to be compliant with the Paris Climate Agreement.

Michael Bloss MEP, Green/EFA Group shadow rapporteur on industrial strategy in the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, comments:

"The European Commission has fired the starting gun for the transformation of our industry towards climate neutrality. To begin the green transition of industry, recycling management, energy efficiency and the expansion of renewable energies in the European Union are essential. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen today presented the first steps to ensure that the Green Deal includes industry.

"A rapid restructuring of the economy requires quick decisions on investments. Companies are waiting for the political signals to invest in e-mobility and emission-free steel. Ursula von der Leyen still has to clear some hurdles with the announced legislative projects. As much as Hydrogen is needed for the transformation of industries, it is nothing without a full shift to renewable energies.“
 

Ville Niinistö MEP, Greens/EFA group coordinator in the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, adds:

"The decarbonisation of industry is vital for the success of the Green Deal and for our climate goals and this is reflected in the Commission's approach. Decarbonisation is vital for the future competitiveness of industry itself and can make Europe the problem-solver of the world. No sector of industry should be left out of this transformation. Renewable energy and energy efficiency have to be at the core of this strategy as energy accounts for 76% of our greenhouse gas emissions. It is not enough to work on promoting hydrogen for industrial uses but it is essential to also make sure that it is green. That means scaling up renewables massively. We need a holistic approach to achieve carbon neutrality.

"The European industrial strategy must encompass all sectors and companies of different sizes and focus on resource efficiency and recycling. The Commission has set out the right goals but to achieve them will require focus on both accelerating investment and boosting the regulatory framework to be in line with progressive climate goals. The Commission now needs to deliver on its promises."