Brussels, 28/10/2014 (Agence Europe) - European employers regret that there has been a lack of emphasis on European competitiveness in the climate goals set out for 2020-2030 by heads of state and government last week.
BusinessEurope is critical that their conclusions lack a “stronger impetus” for Europe to rethink its policy in order to make it less distortive and to reduce emissions in a more cost-effective manner. BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyer said that EU leaders didn't have the strength to re-orientate Europe's climate and energy policy towards the international competitiveness of EU industry. This disappointment was shared by SMEs. European Chamber of Commerce, Eurochambres, is afraid that these targets will lead to another economic slowdown. The secretary-general of the association, Arnaldo Abruzzini, underlined the need to prevent European businesses redirecting their investments, jobs and emissions to third countries. He explained that “the EU must elaborate a strategy to keep Europe an attractive location for energy-intensive manufacturers”. Eurochambres also criticised the fact that there is no reference to the European target of 20% re-industrialisation in the Council conclusions. (MD)