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Reactions to EU plan to reduce red tape and assist struggling industries

Reactions to EU plan to reduce red tape and assist struggling industries

The European Commission published on Wednesday a three-pronged strategy to revive the European industries that are in trouble. This includes proposals to reduce green reporting requirements for companies, while also supporting clean industrial projects. It also includes a plan to lower energy prices.

Industry groups have welcomed plans to encourage investment in Europe. Campaigners and investors have criticized the rescinding of Europe's sustainability standards, which are world-leading.

* REACTIONS TO EU OMNIBUS TO CUT SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH RULES

The Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change

The European Commission's proposal to roll back the tax will undermine investment and Europe's competitiveness in the long term.

Reduced scope of CSRD would ultimately limit investors' access to credible and useful data on transition plans, and companies' ability secure financing for their transition. Investors will be forced to continue relying on estimates and direct engagements with investors, which increases costs.

INDUSTRY GROUP BUSINESSEUROPE HEAD MARKUS BEYRER

By reducing unnecessary reporting requirements and regulatory burdens the first Omnibus allows companies to contribute more efficiently to the EU sustainability goals while preserving the competitiveness of the EU economy.

ALBAN GROSDIDIER, CAMPAIGNER FOR FRIENDS of the Earth

The Commission has introduced a massive package of deregulation. It is destroying human rights protections as well as environmental and climatic action."

Reactions to the EU Clean Industrial Deal:

PAUL VOSS HEAD OF THE INDUSTRY GROUP EUROPEAN ALUMINAUM

"While this is just a beginning, it is fair to acknowledge and applaud the Commission's sincere declaration of its political commitment to bringing European industry back to its feet. The hard part is now to sort out the details.

DUTCH INDUSTRIAL GROUP VNO - NCW

The Commission has set out clear deadlines for lower energy costs, the development and growth of the market for sustainable products and the circular economy.

SWISS ENGINEERING GROUP AB

"We were looking for three things, namely: to accelerate electrification and to leverage energy efficiency in order to decarbonize. We also wanted more investment incentives. And we are pleased that the European Clean Industrial Deal has committed to addressing these priorities.

The Decarbonization Investment Bank represents a positive step in redirecting funds towards electrification and industrial technologies that reduce carbon emissions.

AXEL EGGERT DIRECTOR OF EUROPEAN STAIN ASSOCIATION

"Immediate action is needed to protect European steelmaking. This includes decisive measures in trade, CBAM, and energy prices. The Commission has identified the correct challenges, but does not provide concrete policy solutions to reverse the trend.

JEFFERIES:

The EU plan to mobilize 100 billion Euros to support the decarbonisation of industries:

It is unclear how much of the EUR100bn pool represents new funding, as opposed to existing funds that have been repurposed.

* REACTIONS to the EU AFFORDABLE Energy Plan:

Analysts for Energy Aspects:

The European Commission will advise member states to reduce taxation levels on electricity and eliminate levies. It is only a recommendation. We do not believe that CID will provide any significant relief for the high price of electricity in the short term.

We believe that the biggest impact on the decarbonisation of the European energy sector could be a push for more member states adopting streamlined permit procedures.

CHRIS ROSSLOWE SENIOR ANATOMIST AT THINK-TANK MEMBER

The proposed measures strike a good compromise between providing short-term relief to consumers and fixing structural problems with Europe's dependence on fossil fuels. Positive to see concrete action that will accelerate the low-cost renewables...

"Apart from concerns about gas investment support, this plan offers a viable route to lower energy costs." Reporting by Kate Abnett and Julia Payne; Editing by Ingrid Melander

(source: Reuters)