6.4.2022
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
C 152/51
1.6.
The EESC points out that economic and environmental successes are primarily achieved and implemented where people live.
This is where challenges from climate protection are anticipated and jointly shaped.
This is where new ideas arise and are transformed industrially into globally competitive products and services.
1.7.
‘Transition pathways’, as conceptualised in the EU’s Updated Industrial Strategy and discussed by the EU Industrial Forum, provide EU citizens with support and guidance.
However, the specific starting points at regional level vary enormously and different strategies are needed to achieve the overall goal.
The EESC therefore calls on the European Commission to pay particular attention to these different requirements when setting the framework and measuring the EU industrial strategy, in order to be able to respond flexibly to regional and sectoral needs.
1.8.
Subsidiarity must be viewed in its capacity to create a strong resource for the ‘Just Transition’.
Regions and metropolitan areas know their problems and opportunities best.
For this reason, the EESC recognises that the binding objectives and principles of European industrial policy agreed jointly at EU level should be clearly defined.
It is important to be aware that the implementation in regions and metropolitan areas must be based on the principle of subsidiarity.
1.9.
Situations and capabilities for approaching the climate, social and environmental aims are highly divergent.
While some industries and companies may meet the goal more easily, others may have more difficulties moving forward.
Weaker regions and certain industries therefore require special attention and specific support.
Since the overall goal applies to the entire value chain, it is important to first concentrate on faster effects and further-reaching changes.
1.10.
The EESC notes that this is the principle by which companies can regain their economic and sustainable competitiveness, with the help of committed entrepreneurs and managers and well-trained and skilled workers.
SMEs play an important role here.
A human capital agenda is a prerequisite for the successful transition of companies
1.11.
Member States should reinforce, with the logistic and financial support of the European Union, structural and process-oriented public investments through services of general interest targeted towards the continuous improvement of enabling conditions for industrial and social development that can enhance the capacities of regions and at local level to effectively deal with environmental, technological, economic and social challenges.
1.12.
The EESC advocates that the EU industrial strategy should anticipate and counterbalance increasing poverty and inequality as the Green Deal must be accompanied by an integrated ‘social deal’.
Thus, resources should be channelled where they are most needed.
A comprehensive EU sustainability policy has to do more for justice and participation in the economy, for the benefit of people and regions (3).
Civil and work life in Europe should follow the requirement of creating sustainability based on inclusive and sustainable growth, decent work and social justice (4).
1.13.
The EESC supports the transition towards a circular economy that stops the wasteful use of non-renewable resources and reduces international dependencies.
This should also be a major part of the EU Industrial Strategy.
Consequently, framework conditions should be modified to create competitive advantages for companies that adhere to the principles of a circular economy.
2.
Just transition as an opportunity for industrial recovery and growth 2.1.
The Green Deal sets a clear and politically binding goal: a 55 % reduction in greenhouse gas emissions overall should be achieved in Europe by 2030.
This was operationalised by the Fit for 55 measures presented by the European Commission in July 2021.
There is no more room for interpretation here.
A fair international trade system needs to make sure that businesses can remain globally competitive while meeting the aims of the Green Deal.
This includes a cross-border and transcontinental carbon adjustment system.
This creates incentives for trading partners to enter the club of nations that respect the planet’s limits.
(3) (4)
EESC proposals for post-COVID-19 crisis reconstruction and recovery, 11.6.2020 (OJ C 311, 18.9.2020, p. 1).
EESC resolution on the 2022 EU Commission Work Programme, 9.6.2021 (OJ C 341, 24.8.2021, p. 1).