Innovation, not restrictions, should be our response to climate change

The EPP Group expects this week's EU Summit to make clear commitments to fighting climate change without jeopardising the competitiveness of European industries, says Françoise Grossetête, Vice-Chairwoman of the EPP Group responsible for economy and environment.

"Innovation, not restrictions, should be our response to climate change", Grossetête stressed. "Some people are fighting the wrong battle. Our goal cannot be an ideological war against climate change to the disadvantage of jobs and employment in Europe", she said ahead of today's debate in the European Parliament on this week's summit of EU Heads of Government.

Innovation is the key to winning the battle, not more and more restrictions and interdictions. Françoise Grossetête, Vice-Chairwoman of the EPP Group

"Europe's major challenges are high energy prices, the lack of coordination between national climate policies and the fragmentation of energy markets within the EU", Grossetête said. "The answers to these challenges are innovation in the area of renewables, more energy efficiency in the transport and buildings sectors and a massive roll-out of new energy infrastructure", she explained.

Climate policy should focus on stimulating research and development. "Innovation is the key to winning the battle, not more and more restrictions and interdictions", she concluded.