Belgium (Brussels Morning Newspaper), The Von Der Leyen-led Commission has established the Green New Deal as the cornerstone of its mandate, making the energy transition a pivotal issue in Europe.
However, we are behind schedule considering the warnings issued by the scientific community. Nevertheless, as a 5 Star, a political force guided by environmentalism, we are pleased that the European Union has awakened from its slumber and decided to make a tangible contribution to the well-being of future generations.
Although 2050 may seem distant, we are, in fact, referring to the day after tomorrow. Achieving the goal of turning the EU into the first climate-neutral continent by that date necessitates bold and consistent policies, without hesitation, despite the numerous obstacles in recent years, from pandemics to wars.
The initial step must be a substantial investment in renewable energy. This not only aids in reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels but also ensures sustainable economic growth while averting resource overuse. Renewable energies are pivotal in protecting biodiversity and ecosystems, ensuring a healthy food system for people and the planet.
They also promote a clean and efficient energy transition, offering environmentally friendly transport and stimulating a competitive, green, and digital industrial strategy.
Equally important is the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), even though representatives from the Italian government have engaged in unproductive debates against it. This directive is crucial because buildings are responsible for approximately 40% of the EU’s energy consumption and about 36% of its CO2 emissions.
The directive’s objective is to encourage the renovation of existing buildings and ensure that future buildings become “nearly zero-energy buildings”. This not only significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also leads to substantial savings for citizens in terms of energy bills.
Furthermore, the transition to greener and more sustainable buildings creates new job opportunities, stimulating innovation and growth in the construction sector.
As a representative of the Institutions, with pride, I remind you that 5 Star has promoted the Superbonus. Thanks to this measure, thousands of families had the opportunity to renovate and upgrade their homes, making them not only more energy-efficient but also safer and more comfortable.
Now, however, we need to take a step forward because a comprehensive Europe-wide building upgrading policy requires European funding. In theory, I believe that 99.9% of people support the energy transition promoted by the European Union.
Still, we cannot burden citizens with the costs of this monumental change. 5 Star Movement has proposed an “Energy” Recovery Fund, akin to the one introduced during the pandemic, thanks in part to the considerable diplomatic effort of the Italian PM Giuseppe Conte, who was in charge at the time.
A practical example may come from the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which has presented a challenge to the European Green Deal Industrial Plan. The US is striving to position itself as a leader in the fight against climate change. This could attract foreign investments in areas such as research and development of green technologies, potentially at the expense of Europe, and may also lead to a series of tariff barriers that could impact trade dynamics.
Among the topics we will likely explore today is how the US has established its tax credit system and how it compares to the European reality. Tax credits have worked very well for the Superbonus and can work as well in Europe to support the green transition.
