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The EU plan does not reflect the crisis in Europe, it lacks specific measures, says the union

by AI | 26.Feb 2025 | Europe in brief AI

The Commission primarily criticizes the lack of specific measures and major changes, as well as the continuation of current environmental goals.

Industrial plant where yellow pipes for natural gas and hydrogen are installed. Photo: Philipp von Ditfurth/dpa

Prague – The EU plan to improve the situation of industry in Europe and reduce energy costs does not reflect the crisis of European industry nor the current situation in Europe. Representatives of the Czech industry and analysts told ČTK. They particularly criticize the Commission for the absence of specific measures and fundamental changes as well as the continuation of current ecological goals.

Today, the EC presented the Clean Industrial Deal document, in which it outlined its plan to reduce energy costs for businesses and citizens, complete the energy union, attract investments, and better prepare for potential energy crises. The goal of the plan is to save Europeans 45 billion euros (1.1 trillion CZK) this year alone, and by 2040 it should be 260 billion euros (6.5 trillion CZK) annually, the Commission stated.

However, according to the Union of Industry, the Commission’s proposal does not sufficiently reflect Europe’s declining competitiveness or the current geopolitical situation. The commission’s ongoing requirement to reduce emissions by 90 percent by 2040 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 is particularly alarming to them, as it severely limits the possibility of change. Representatives of the Czech industry reject the proposed goal as ideological and deadly for many industries. Additionally, the document does not propose clear measures for the promised reduction of energy costs according to the union. “It is good that the European Commission has finally realized the serious problems facing European industry and the European economy in general due to EU climate and other policies, but it still hasn’t found the courage to truly reassess the course. Europe cannot compete with China, the USA, and other countries. We are losing the pharmaceutical, chemical, defense industries, or steelmaking. We won’t be resilient enough to crises, especially the security one, which is urgent in the current geopolitical situation,” stated the Union president Jan Rafaj.

Some analysts also criticize the document. According to the XTB analyst Jiří Tyleček, the final form of the proposal shows low self-reflection among European politicians. “It does not react at all to recent political developments. The preliminary material essentially has the system set up correctly, and only partial adjustments are being prepared. I don’t see fundamental changes in the proposal that should help European industry,” said Tyleček. (February 26)