On the occasion of the vote on the European Parliament's motion for a resolution on an EU strategy to promote industrial competitiveness, trade and quality jobs, which was adopted in plenary by 310 votes in favour, 155 votes against and 100 abstentions, Henrike Hahn, Bavarian Member of the European Parliament (The Greens/EFA), Deputy speaker of the German Delegation, Industrial Policy Spokesperson of the European Group, comments:
"The EU Strategy was adopted today with a strong progressive majority in the European Parliament. The Parliament's resolution is an important response to the Green Deal Industrial Plan presented by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The EPP group isolates itself with its opposition to this important resolution. Industry and companies in Europe are waiting for strong and efficient political European support for their competitiveness. We know that the Green Deal is an economic engine that we urgently need right now. We need a new sovereignty fund with fresh money for massive investments in key sectors to implement the EU Green Deal.
In the current challenging situation, all pro-European forces should work together constructively to shape a future-proof industrial policy to set the course for a green and competitive European industry.
The background of the EPP opposition is not so much the content of the motion, which in large parts was co-drafted and negotiated by the EPP as well, but a sad attempt to politically damage the President of the Commission and party colleague Ursula von der Leyen and the Green Deal. By attacking the Green Deal Manfred Weber is jeopardizing European competitiveness. He is consolidating his alliance with far-right parties whose anti-European stance call the single market into question. Such an attitude undermines Europe as a place for future investments.
The German EPP members of the CDU and CSU are trying to bring their local Bavarian anti-Green Deal election campaign to the European level instead of putting efficient reforms on the table that we urgently need in light of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the important issues of energy security and high energy prices.
Background:
A large majority of Members of the European Parliament just adopted (Thursday, February 16th) the resolution on the EU strategy to promote industrial competitiveness, trade and quality jobs. The Christian Democrats, under pressure from the German delegation, voted by a majority against the resolution. MEPs are taking a position on the Green Deal Industrial Plan presented by the European Commission on February 1st in response to the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
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