The European Commission is putting forward a series of recommendations to ensure that the ecological transition is also socially just, in a document distributed to Member States at the Employment and Social Policy Council on Monday 8 July. The document, consulted by EUROPE, fuelled the debates of national ministers and representatives, in particular on the economy of well-being and on the report "A Clean Planet for All" (see EUROPE 12291/12).
In the wake of the French 'Yellow Vest' crisis, the European Commission wants to ensure that the ecological transition is accepted by as many citizens as possible, and thus limit the negative impact on the most vulnerable, namely the least skilled workers and those working in the most exposed sectors and regions.
To do this, the Commission considers that action must be taken in five main areas. First of all - and this point has been systematically mentioned in the Member States' interventions - the institution calls for targeted support for retraining and upskilling of the workforce (particularly in the green economy), in cooperation with social partners to ensure that "relevant training" is available and accessible.
In addition, the Commission suggests that income replacement, social protection and mobility schemes be put in place to support labour market transitions, notably for workers and families who have been dependent on work in extractive industries and carbon-intensive sectors and who will be particularly affected by the energy transition.
In line with the 20th principle of the European Pillar of Social Rights, the European Commission proposes to raise the importance of energy efficiency and believes that social benefits and social housing measures should be strengthened to reduce energy poverty, notably in rural areas, in order to mitigate the financial pressure on households.
On the taxation part, the Commission insists on a tax system that is sustainable growth friendly, but also wants tax shifts to reduce labour costs.
In general, the institution advises in its document a strong diversification of the economy and the creation of new businesses and employment in regions significantly affected by the transition to a carbon neutral economy.
To consult the document: https://bit.ly/2JnWBsQ (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)