“There is recognition across Europe that action on climate is urgently needed” said Mr Šefčovič at the EESC plenary on 20 June 2019, adding that climate had become one of the central electoral topics in the EU and that “In Europe we are finally looking at climate change as an opportunity to refocus and reorganise our economy.”
Agreeing with Mr Šefčovič, Mr Jahier maintained that the goal of climate neutrality by 2050 was key to the future of Europe and wondered whether, despite much progress made in the fight against climate change, there would still be sufficiently ambitious policies and resources to underpin the long-term ambition of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Through the Energy Union project, the Commission has developed a vision for a carbon-neutral Europe.
“We have proven that we don't need to choose between economic growth and climate” Mr Šefčovič said. “It is possible to grow our economy (by 58 percent) and cut emissions at the same time (by 22 percent).”
This is supported by the 4 million ‘green jobs’ in the EU, of which 1.4 million are in the renewable energy sector alone.
Mr Šefčovič said that the Energy Union had become reality but also that it needs to be properly implemented on the ground. The Commission has already presented its recommendations to the Member States regarding its first ever National Energy and Climate Plans and every Member State is now planning policies along the guidelines of the Energy Union.
There is also a need to establish a permanent citizens' dialogue to accompany the energy transition, including meaningful participation in decision-making processes and a social pact between governments, authorities, social partners and civil society. It is necessary to actively engage with citizens in climate policy-making. The Energy Union cannot be built in Brussels, but back in the Member States. The transition must be done comprehensively – making sure that no region, sector or social group is left behind. It must be a socially fair transition owned by all actors.
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