Today PES COMPET ministers gathered at the PES headquarters in Brussels to discuss revitalising European industry and adopting a Declaration with their vision for a competitive Europe. Ministers agreed that to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness we need to commit to the triple transition, and to be consistent with the ambitions we have set.
The meeting began with ministers commending Executive Vice-President of the Commission for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition Teresa Ribera for her continued work to advance decarbonisation efforts and building a competitive, sustainable and inclusive economy. Ministers stressed the fundamental role of the Executive VP in keeping our climate goals on track, including the proposal to enshrine the 90% target into the Climate Law, and in mainstreaming our public policy objectives into every Commission initiative.
Ministers agreed that the Clean Industrial Deal, with the Action Plan for Affordable Energy as a central component, goes in the right direction. We need bold actions to drive sustainable reindustrialisation and to enhance our open strategic autonomy. Incentives to stimulate demand for products made in and by Europe, including through non-price criteria in public procurement and social and environmental conditionalities, are essential tools.
State Secretary for the EU and chair of the meeting Fernando Mariano Sampedro Marcos said:
‘’As Socialists and Democrats, we believe it is essential to strengthen the competitiveness of the Union, focusing on the triple transition, green, digital and just, and without questioning the ambition of the objectives we have set. We must support all European industrial ecosystems, including by seeking tailored solutions for certain industries such as automotive and energy-intensive sectors, while ensuring clean and affordable energy for all.
Adequate financing must be guaranteed in order to achieve the objectives set, with an investment plan for the triple transition, for the creation of green quality jobs and the sustainable reindustrialisation of our continent, including by making sure that the Competitiveness Fund has a pillar to support industry.
Ensuring industrial capacities, advancing circular economy innovation and strengthening and securing supply chains is fundamental to safeguard open strategic autonomy and increase our resilience.”
Ministers agreed that our vision for a competitive Europe is one that is proactive, works for everyone and in every region, is supported by an ambitious cohesion policy and fair taxation, and upholds the fundamental principles of democracy and the rule of law. Industrial policy is key to enhancing the EU’s global standing while protecting quality jobs, improving economic security and resilience, and ensuring a just green transition. This is reflected in the 10 ambitions outlined in the declaration.
The state of play of the single market and how to capitalise on its strengths in order for it to continue to be a tool for upward social convergence, whilst also taking stock of needed reforms to overcome its shortcomings, was also discussed. Similarly, simplification was addressed, with ministers warning against deregulation that results in backtracking when it comes to workers’ rights and the European Green Deal. Moreover, in the view of the review of the CBAM, ministers discussed how to close loopholes and address the risk of carbon leakages, to strengthen our climate ambitions and industrial ecosystems at the same time.
The meeting was attended by:
- Fernando Mariano Sampedro Marcos, Chair, State Secretary for the EU, Spain
- Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition
- Bogdan-Gruia Ivan, Minister of Economy, Digitalisation, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, Romania
- Dejan Židan, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport, Slovenia
- Rebeca Mariola Torró Soler, State Secretary for Industry, Spain
- Gabriele Bischoff, S&D Group Vice President
- Yonnec Polet, PES Deputy Secretary General
