Low-income families and middle class home owners mustn't pay for Green Deal

The EPP Group wants Europe to become climate-neutral by 2050. "This far-reaching transformation of our economies and societies must be done in a smart way, because we want to fight climate change with innovation, competitiveness and European jobs. We want to turn the necessary transformation into an opportunity. We want de-carbonisation, not de-industrialisation! We do not only want to set targets, but find the best way for Europe to reach these targets, with special focus on hydrogen and in certain cases, gas, as a transition technology", said Esther de Lange MEP, Vice-Chairwoman of the EPP Group in charge of Economy and Environment.

Her statement comes ahead of the European Commission's presentation of the so-called ‘Fit for 55’ package, a mammoth law package of energy and climate laws aimed at translating the 55 percent CO2 reduction goal into concrete new rules for transport, industry, buildings and other sectors.

"We must be very watchful about who foots the bill for the Green Deal. It cannot be low-income families, middle class home owners or car owners in rural areas without public transport who have to pay the highest bill", said de Lange, explaining that the EPP Group wants a credible social instrument to address heating and mobility poverty within and between Member States.

The EPP Group wants to promote clean cars. "We want to prioritise the development of clean vehicles, electric mobility and zero-emission fuels. We do not want the debate about CO2 emissions from cars to turn into another ideological battle of dogmas. Europe's car industry must retain its global competitiveness and must remain technology leaders and trendsetters for clean cars for Europe and the rest of the world. Much will also depend on the roll-out of charging infrastructure. The EPP Group therefore insists on regular Commission reporting on progress made here and its implications for the realisation of the CO2 reduction targets", de Lange concluded.