MEPs on the ‘Transport’ Committee (TRAN) discussed the mobility component of theFit For 55package (see EUROPE 12850/5) with the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President in charge of the European Green Deal, Frans Timmermans, on Thursday 13 January. This package of measures, presented by the Commission last July, is designed to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 (see EUROPE 12762/1).
While a large majority of MEPs on the TRAN Committee recognised the importance of rapid climate action, a large proportion also warned of the challenges to competitiveness and social issues.
“We have an EU-centric approach, many countries are rubbing their hands gleefully because if we fail, they will take our place in the market. We must not lose our competitiveness for an ambition that does not take into account the technological and scientific realities”, said José Ramón Bauzá Díaz (Renew Europe, Spain).
In response, Mr Timmermans said, “it is impossible to believe that by standing still we will remain competitive. If you don’t adapt, you lose”. He added: “Thinking that by doing nothing, things will not change is the worst illusion one can have”.
Finding the workforce
Several MEPs also stressed the social aspect of the green transition.
“There needs to be strong public acceptance. We must not forget the employees in the transport sector. They should not suffer”, summarised Bogusław Liberadzki (S&D, Poland).
On this point, Frans Timmermans, aware of the future impact of these measures on employment, specified that discussions would be held with the players in the transport sector. In addition, the Executive Vice-President felt that given the labour shortages in the sector, the main problem would be to find the necessary resources.
“Hundreds of thousands of jobs will disappear, but two million will be created. There are a lot of unemployed young people, things are not right in this system”, he considered.
The issue of developing electrical infrastructure was also raised by several MEPs. In this respect, Frans Timmermans acknowledged that one of the problems is the increase in demand for electricity, which is estimated to rise by 2% by 2030 and by 10% by 2040.
“The increase is going to be huge, but if we are fast enough, if we can provide easy access, we will get there”, he concluded.
Finally, several MEPs stressed the need not to forget the EU’s peripheral regions - and their dependence on transport modes to link them to the heart of the EU - and called for action on the issue of short-haul flights. (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)