Energy 2030 & European Industrial Renaissance: Unilateral climate action contradicts 20 pct industrial target

22 January 2014
by eurochambres -- last modified 25 February 2015

EUROCHAMBRES is critical of the incoherence between the communications on industrial policy and energy 2030 presented today by the European Commission, arguing that they reveal a lack of governance and coordination between the administration’s services.

Energy targets must not hamper growth

"Global warming deserves our full attention. But unilateralism will simply drive energy-intensive industries out of Europe, damaging the EU's entire economy. Therefore, a new CO2-target must reflect whether or not a binding international climate agreement is reached in 2015. Without creating a global level-playing field, a target of 40% or above would undermine any efforts to reindustrialise Europe", stated Arnaldo Abruzzini, Secretary General of EUROCHAMBRES.

Regarding the proposed ETS-reform, EUROCHAMBRES welcomed that no further interventions in the EU-ETS are planned before 2021, but criticised the plans for a future allowance reserve. The implementation of this proposal would clearly undermine the market-based charcteristics of the ETS, which would effectively evolve into a CO2 tax.

Chambers welcomed that the Commission abstained from proposing a binding energy efficiency target for 2030. Energy efficiency has to be achieved through economic necessity, rather than mandatory requirements. A new rigid ceiling on overall energy consumption is inappropriate given that economic trends lead to fluctuations in consumption.

Industrialisation and competitiveness interchanged

Having sent a strong signal of intent in 2012 by setting a 20% GDP target for EU industry, the new communication for a European Industrial Renaissance lacks specific or tangible ideas. It also interchanges the notions of industrialisation and competitiveness. In this context, it is perhaps unsurprising that the Council has decided to delay a discussion on industrial policy, which is nonetheless regrettable.

"By cancelling the European Council of February on industrial policy, the Member States sent a message that manufacturing is not at the heart of the EU growth strategy. This vague new Commission communication does nothing to alter that perception", added Mr Abbruzzini.

 

Established in 1958 as a direct response to the creation of the European Economic Community, EUROCHAMBRES acts as the eyes, ears and voice of the business community at EU level. EUROCHAMBRES represents over 20 million member enterprises in Europe through 45 members (43 national associations of chambers of commerce and Industry and two transnational chamber organisations) and a European network of 1700 regional and local chambers. More than 93% of these enterprises are Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Chamber members employ over 120 million employees.

Eurochambres