The Communication on the Clean Industrial Deal (CID) sets the direction for industrial changes that will create both opportunities and challenges for regions, workers, businesses and communities across Europe. But will the CID work for people? Only if it creates quality jobs, improves living standards, promotes a healthy, pollution-free environment and strengthens climate safety and cohesion across Europe.
To strengthen the social dimension of the CID, EU policymakers must address a number of key questions when developing the associated legislation, guidelines, action plans and other instruments. Many of these questions have been captured in a new statement developed in the framework of the European Alliance for a Just Transition, of which RREUSE is a member:
- How will the CID ensure that industrial transformation upholds and advances all social rights in line with the European Pillar of Social Rights? Without robust and targeted initiatives to support workers, consumers, communities and marginalised groups, the CID risks widening socio-economic inequalities and triggering social unrest, ultimately fuelling further distrust in decision-makers.
- What measures will be taken to ensure that all regions and territories in Europe benefit from the industrial changes brought about by the CID? For the CID to succeed, decision-makers must adopt a strong place-based approach and implement context-specific measures at national, regional and local levels, as well as using coordinated sectoral strategies.
- How will the EU invest in a fair and just transition, and where will the necessary resources come from? As the CID accelerates industrial innovation and economic transformation, it is crucial to ensure that the necessary resources are allocated in both the current and next MFF to fulfil the EU’s commitment to a fair and just transition. To ensure best value for money, binding social and environmental conditionalities should be attached to public funding for companies, and circularity must be at the core of the CID, with increased re- and upcycling capacities and placing a much greater focus on regional value chains.
- Who will be part of the decision-making process and how will social partners and civil society be involved? The CID must promote the democratic governance of EU industrial policy, ensuring that it is guided by a vision of wellbeing and prosperity for all, and protected from the influence of vested interests.
- How will the CID foster fair and balanced partnerships with partner countries? The success of European green industrialisation hinges on the EU’s ability to offer its partners an alternative, credible trade model that considers their interests, establishes sustainable value chains, respects the environment and provides decent work. In a world of geopolitical turmoil, the EU must invest more in diplomacy, listen to the views and needs of its partners, and establish itself as a reliable and trustworthy partner.
