From the reader. Elected for the next term as President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen spoke on the right note when outlining the priorities for the coming season in the European Parliament on 18.7.
The top priority is Europe’s competitiveness and security. In climate action, the course holds, but the focus shifts to implementation and investments.
The emphasis of the new season supports each other. Competitiveness is also the basis for climate action. In order to succeed in cutting emissions, Europe must be able to attract significant investments in clean energy, industry and technologies in the ever-tightening international competition.
Europe now imports more than half of all the energy it uses. Therefore, progress in climate action also supports Europe’s overall security. A decisive withdrawal from fossil fuels could drop the share of imports to a quarter by 2040. In the next few years, Europe must cut off energy imports from Russia once and for all.
“For Finland, the chairman’s message about a more pragmatic climate policy that utilizes all clean technologies is welcome.”
During the first 100 days of his term, Von der Leyen intends to introduce a new clean industry program, which is a continuation of the previous green development program. The goal is to accelerate the industrial revolution, create predictability for companies and markets for clean products, and guarantee the availability of clean and affordable energy. These can also be the basis of Europe’s new growth.
For companies, the chairman’s promise to lighten the administrative burden was much needed, but actions are expected. Attention to implementation will hopefully also mean a breather from the new regulation, so that we have time to adapt to the laws that are now coming into force. Faster approval and smooth regulation are an important part of promoting investments.
For Finland, the chairman’s message about a more pragmatic climate policy that utilizes all clean technologies is welcome. Until now, for example, ignoring nuclear power has been a constant headache. Compared to the US, the EU also tends to over-regulate new technologies such as green hydrogen.
From the starting season, it is therefore appropriate to expect uncompromising, but more practical work to achieve Europe’s climate goals.
Teppo Säkkinen
leading economic and climate expert, Central Chamber of Commerce