Europe needs a focused drive now, as part of an ambitious longer-term strategy, to reposition European industry and create high quality green jobs. This is the conclusion of the Financial and Economic Network (FEN) of the Party of European Socialists (PES).

Meeting today in hybrid format, representatives of PES member parties and organisations, MEPs, civil society, and trade unions convened to discuss the EU Green Deal Industrial Plan, the push for a “Made in Europe” strategy, and economic investment.

PES FEN Chair and President of the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS), Maria João Rodrigues, said:

“Europe has a proud history of industrial innovation which, thanks to strong trade unions, has provided generations of workers with decent jobs. That innovation must continue as we reorientate European industry towards a sustainable, carbon neutral, future.

“We want to see the EU harness the potential of the green transition to create jobs, advance technology and make Europe more resilient, by reducing strategic dependence on global supply chains. We need a real European industrial policy with more Important Projects of Common European Interest.

“As a Union, we must not fall behind. We must not be afraid to mobilise capital for green industry, including EU financial instruments to make sure that all EU Member States and regions can make this transition. The green transition is a priority for all and it must work for all.”

The Green Deal Industrial Plan – building on the European Green Deal spearheaded by European Commission Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans – proposes to relax the state aid rules for investments in key sectors, including hydrogen, solar, wind, carbon capture and storage, heat pumps and electric vehicles.