Cut CO2 emissions by 55 percent and save jobs

The EPP Group fully supports the move towards Europe’s climate neutrality by 2050 but wants to do it in a way that creates new employment opportunities, rather than destroying jobs. In voting on the so-called Climate Law in the European Parliament today and on Wednesday, the EPP Group will vote along this line: "Going beyond net 55 percent emission cuts will really put many jobs in danger", said Peter Liese MEP, the EPP Group’s Spokesman for Health and Environment, ahead of the vote.

"We fully support the European Commission proposal to reduce the emissions by 55 percent compared to 1990 figures including carbon sinks such as sustainably managed forests. A 60 percent target or even higher targets that are supported by the Greens or Socialists are really going too far. This would not be solidly based on the impact assessment of the net 55 percent proposed by the European Commission", Liese explained.

"It is very clear that all major economies have to do more to avoid dangerous climate change but the 55 percent will by far be the most ambitious contribution of any major economy in the world. From 1990 to now, we have reduced emissions by 25 percent, while all other major economies have increased their emissions", said Liese.

"To achieve a 55 percent CO2 emission reduction target is a huge challenge, not only for industry but also for lower income families and middle class homeowners. We all need to work together and not stretch it too far", he concluded.