en | de |    Press releases28.05.2009

Industrial policy: EU governments must not commit Europe to failed industrial policy

EU enterprise and industry ministers, meeting at the Competitiveness Council in Brussels, today agreed conclusions calling for EU environment and climate legislation to be scaled back. Commenting on the outcome of the Council, UK Green MEP Caroline Lucas said:

"The outcome of today's council reflects a worrying trend in European industrial policy-making. Instead of using the current crisis to support our industries to adapt for the economic challenges of the future, this misguided approach to industrial policy being peddled by some EU governments (notably Germany) risks condemning Europe to an outdated economic model, based on failed industries.

"We cannot let the same old tired arguments from polluting industries jeopardise the meagre progress that has been made by EU legislation in terms of protecting EU citizens, promoting public health, limiting environmental damage and tackling climate change. Every time the EU introduces new environmental legislation, industry laggards trundle out the same tune about the impact on jobs but history has revealed this scaremongering to be hollow.

"On the contrary, we have strong evidence and research to indicate that this legislation, notably the EU climate package, will help boost employment and stimulate industries to adapt for the new economic challenges Europe faces. The US and Asian economies and others have clearly recognised that future global economy will be green. We need ambitious legislation to ensure European industries are to the fore in this new global economic order and do not miss the boat."