SGI Europe Comments on the Fit for 55 Package
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Today [14th July 2021], the European Commission published its Fit for 55 Package, consisting of 12 legislative proposals in the field of energy and climate, and which should bring to life the EU’s goal of cutting by 2030 greenhouse gas emissions by 55%, and reach net zero emissions by 2050.
Commenting on the Fit for 55 Package, Valeria Ronzitti, SGI Europe General Secretary, said:
“Providers and employers of services of general interest (SGIs) are very committed to support the EU transition to a carbon-neutral model. This transition however must rightly balance the social, environmental, and economic dimensions. The EU runs on SGIs, including local public services enterprises and semi-public SMEs, which are vital elements of our socio-economic model.”
“Employers and providers of SGIs also need to be given the right framework to ensure the transition is just for workers they employ and for the citizens they serve. The transitional pathways must offer workers quality jobs and provide financing incentives and solutions for citizens to renovate their homes and buy carbon-free. To that aim, we particularly welcome the proposed Social Climate Fund, which puts a special emphasis on alleviating social impacts on the most vulnerable groups by proposing new investment solutions to those affected by carbon pricing policies.”
“In the context of the EU Green Deal and the renewed decarbonisation ambitions of the EU, coherence and a level playing field for all technologies need to be ensured, with legal certainty, clarity and consistency in the climate-neutrality path in 2050.”
“SGI Europe notes the proposed extension of the ETS to transport and buildings, which should support setting an efficient carbon-pricing and send an economic signal to market actors to allow decarbonization. The extended ETS should really provide a fair carbon price in the sectors covered and creating a level-playing field for all technologies to incentivise investments that foster decarbonisation.”
You can find more on SGI Europe messages and priorities on our website: www.sgieurope.org.