EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wants to make Europe’s economy a world leader in the market for clean technologies and innovations with a new industrial plan. “In the coming decades, we will experience the greatest industrial shift of our time – perhaps even of all time,” von der Leyen said today at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. “And those who develop and manufacture the technologies that underpin tomorrow’s economy will have the greatest competitive advantage.”
Von der Leyen also cited subsidy plans for climate-friendly technologies in the US and China, which were controversial for competition reasons, as a reason for the new plan. “For the European industry to remain attractive, it is necessary to monitor offers and incentives outside the EU.”
Simpler rules, more favorable conditions planned
Specifically, the plan provides for the simplification of rules in order to create more favorable conditions for suppliers of products such as wind energy, heat pumps, solar energy and clean hydrogen. A “zero net industry law” should also be proposed to this end, setting clear targets for clean technologies in Europe by 2030.
Other points are stronger financial support for green technologies, a reduction in dependence on key raw materials, a program to develop skilled workers and decisive action against countries that do not comply with the rules.
China, for example, is encouraging energy-intensive companies to relocate all or part of their production there with promises of cheap energy, low labor costs and a more flexible regulatory environment, said von der Leyen. At the same time, the country is heavily subsidizing its industry and restricting access to the Chinese market for EU companies.