Union Member States Reject Enhanced EU Climate Goal Set
**Jens Gieseke Warns of Potential Industrial Impact of EU's 55% CO2 Reduction Target**
In a recent article published by the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung, Jens Gieseke, a German politician and transport policy spokesman of the CDU/CSU group, expressed concerns about the European Union's (EU) proposed 55% reduction in CO2 emissions from new cars by 2030.
Gieseke, who is also the chairman of the EVP SME circle in the European Parliament, warned that the debate about the climate target could become the "nail in the coffin of European industry." He specifically mentioned companies like MAN, Siemens, Bosch, ZF, and Daimler, which could be affected by the proposed target.
Gieseke expressed concern about the potential loss of tens of thousands of industrial jobs due to the target. He called for a "balanced approach" instead of a "sledgehammer CO2 reduction," arguing that the EU should prioritize work, economy, and growth, particularly during the current economic crisis.
Gieseke's stance aligns with the European People's Party (EPP), the largest group in the European Parliament, which has advocated for amendments to introduce greater flexibility into the EU’s climate regulations for the automotive sector. The EPP, including German members, has proposed the use of synthetic fuels and plug-in hybrids beyond the original 2035 deadline, arguing that these technologies could help safeguard jobs and reduce economic disruption during the transition to zero-emission vehicles.
However, environmental groups warn that weakening the 2035 ban could risk up to one million jobs in the green economy and undermine Europe's climate goals. The EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, has announced a plan to reduce greenhouse gases by 55% below the 1990 level by 2030.
The debate centres on balancing ambitious climate action with the need to protect Europe’s industrial base during a transformative period for the automotive sector. The article features a photo of EU flags, symbolising the European unity at the heart of this discussion.
| Aspect | EPP/Jens Gieseke Position | Environmental Group Position | |---------------------------|--------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------| | 2030 CO₂ reduction target | Supports, but seeks flexibility[1] | Supports strict enforcement[1] | | 2035 combustion ban | Proposes amendments for synthetic fuels/plug-ins[1] | Demands full ban, no delays[1] | | Impact on industry | Worried about job losses, economic disruption[1] | Warns green jobs at risk if weakened[1] |
[1] Source: dts Nachrichtenagentur
- Jens Gieseke, as a transport policy spokesman, has expressed his concern about the potential industrial impact of the EU's 55% CO2 reduction target on companies like MAN, Siemens, Bosch, ZF, and Daimler.
- Gieseke, chairman of the EVP SME circle in the European Parliament, supports the EU's proposed 55% reduction in CO2 emissions but advocates for a balanced approach, focusing on work, economy, and growth, especially during the current economic crisis.
- The debate about the EU's climate target and its impact on the automotive industry, as well as the environmental consequences, falls under the realm of policy-and-legislation, general-news, environmental-science, and politics, reflecting the broader implications of climate-change on industry and the economy.
