CEEP welcomed the announcement of a European Green Deal and fully supports its goal of making Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. CEEP members are committed to developing a balanced and sustainable strategy relying on the economic, social and environmental development. Indeed, it will be essential to take these three dimensions into account for the Green Deal to reach its objectives for 2050.

CEEP welcomes the efforts of the European Commission to propose the first-ever EU Climate Law, to ensure all EU policies contribute to the European Green Deal objectives for a net-zero emission target. However, CEEP does not share the Commission’s statement that an impact assessment is not required because a full analysis of the implications of the 2050 climate-neutrality objective has already been provided in support of the “Clean Planet for All” communication. CEEP, therefore, calls upon the European Commission to deliver a proper Impact Assessment.

CEEP positively receives the Commission’s recognition to promote more and direct investments for sustainable technology, research and innovations and welcomes the new Sustainable Europe Investment Plan (SEIP) including its social transition finance plans published in the Just Transition Mechanism and Just Transition Fund. Here, public services and SGIs can pave the way towards cultural cohesion, and economic and environmental sustainability thanks to their proximity in society.

Read the full opinion here.