Alongside the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg on Tuesday 14 December, the European Commission presented a recommendation to ensure a fair and just transition to climate neutrality in relation to the ‘Green Deal’ and the European pillar of social rights.
“This policy guidance provides detailed, tangible ways for Member States, regions and local communities to protect the people who are at risk of poverty and social exclusion, as well as to enable people to make the most of the opportunities that the climate transition offers”, said Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights Nicolas Schmit.
According to the European Commission, the green transition could create around 1 million jobs in the EU by 2030 and 2 million by 2050, especially medium-skilled and medium-paid jobs, although the effects will vary between countries and sectors.
Building on the EASE recommendation to support employment in the aftermath of the health crisis (see EUROPE 12671/3), today’s recommendation provides guidance on the implementation of employment and social policies to meet the various challenges of the green transition. The follow-up will be carried out by the European Commission within the framework of the ‘European Semester’ budgetary process.
The institution recommends that Member States tailor employment support as closely as possible to the needs of the individual, using targeted financial support and subsidies where necessary. It calls on them to support individual training and career guidance to accompany the transition in the labour market. It proposes to support entrepreneurship, including social enterprises, businesses in the circular economy, especially in the regions most affected by the phenomenon.
The European Commission emphasises strategic ecosystems for national and local needs as well as specific action in favour of micro-enterprises. The institution encourages the use of socially responsible procurement, through social award criteria for those most affected by the ecological transition.
The institution calls on Member States to develop tax and benefit systems and social protection systems in the context of the green transition, building on the recommendation on access to social protection for workers and the self-employed (see EUROPE 11980/6). Here, the Commission suggests shifting the tax burden away from labour and reducing the tax burden for low and middle income groups.
It also recommends that Member States ensure affordable services and housing for those most vulnerable to the green transition, in particular to combat energy poverty.
In general, the institution stresses the ‘active’ role of local and regional authorities and social partners in the implementation and follow-up of the various recommendations. As always, the recommendation contains a point on improving data collection and harmonising definitions between Member States.
European trade unions disappointed
The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) has given a mixed reception to this recommendation, arguing for the adoption of a binding legislative framework. “Adopting hard laws for climate aspects while leaving the choice to Member States to tackle the social impacts constitutes a double standard and does not send the right signal to EU citizens that Europe is there to protect them”, say the unions.
To consult the recommendation: https://bit.ly/3oVXWMl
To see the working document: https://bit.ly/3EXDCQ3 (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)