The European Union needs to enhance its competitiveness without compromising the green transition, according to Dan Jørgensen, the EU Commissioner for Energy and Housing.
On Wednesday, the EU Commission unveiled its work program, which faced immediate backlash from the Socialist People’s Party and the Red-Green Alliance, who argued that climate and environmental issues were not prioritized adequately compared to defense and competitiveness.
Jørgensen, however, disagrees with this viewpoint. “That criticism reflects a misunderstanding. Believing that competitiveness and environmental sustainability are at odds is a mistake,” he stated.
He further emphasized that the actions necessary for combating climate change would also lead to reduced costs for industries and households, particularly in heating. “What we need to do for the climate will also lower prices for our industry and everyday consumers,” Jørgensen told Ritzau.
Nonetheless, the work program has left the red-green faction of the EU Parliament feeling disappointed. Kira Marie Peter-Hansen, a member of the EU Parliament from the Socialist People’s Party, noted that the only significant climate initiative appears to be the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent by 2040.
“It’s unfortunate that the Commission has presented just one sustainability initiative, and the limited environmental measures related to the sea, water, and chemicals seem overly focused on industry, rather than considering how we can maintain a sustainable planet,” Peter-Hansen commented.
While she appreciates the EU Commission’s emphasis on competitiveness, she believes the balance is skewed: “I worry that the Commission might overlook the ongoing climate crisis and that affordable, green energy is crucial for European businesses too,” she added.
Per Clausen from the Red-Green Alliance also expressed dissatisfaction with the work program. “It’s both disappointing and concerning, though not entirely unexpected. This approach fits the right-wing trend we’ve been observing,” Clausen stated.
A majority of the European Commissioners in Ursula von der Leyen’s second EU Commission align with conservative views, particularly from von der Leyen’s own political group in the EU Parliament, the EPP group.
When asked about the criticisms concerning the lack of concrete proposals for advancing climate policy, Jørgensen responded, “One of my responsibilities in the work program is to propose significant reductions in energy prices across Europe this month.”
“We will achieve this by expanding renewable energy and improving energy efficiency, which are fundamental elements in fighting climate change,” he explained.
The Danish Commissioner is confident that the work program will ultimately bolster the EU’s efforts in addressing climate change. “By implementing this work program, we will enhance our position, create more jobs, and improve our competitiveness against the USA and China, while establishing ourselves as the leading region in green initiatives,” Jørgensen concluded.
/ritzau/
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