Photo by Andreas Gücklhorn on Unsplash
Concern has been raised about the possible economic impact of the EU’s Green Deal.
This came after European entrepreneurs shared their concerns about implementation of the flagship environmental policy with the EU Commissioner for Climate Action, Wopke Hoekstra.
Speaking at the SME Climate Dialogue meeting, SMEunited president Petri Salminen conceded that, “The Green Deal has increased regulatory pressure on small and medium enterprises.”
He added, “The next Commission’s mandate must be about making law work instead of law making.”
“Entrepreneurs innovate and invest to reach the climate targets, let them”, said Salminen during the exchange.
Entrepreneurs from a variety of sectors and several Member States explained to the Commissioner what it is that makes an enabling environment for them.
They said they had persisted through the economic and health crises in the past years and that, next to the legislative framework that was put in place, they now expect the EC to create “a facilitating environment.”
An SMEunited source said, “This means, first of all, to allow entrepreneurs time to green their business models and processes rather than fill out administration.”
“We also have to guarantee the offer of technical assistance, as for example through the Covenant of Companies for Climate and Energy.”
“This assistance must be provided close to the entrepreneur along with mutual learning organised at European level. Moreover, access to (green) finance for investments should be ensured.”
The source added, “To make climate policy a win-win for planet and SMEs, a net emission climate target for 2040 should be set in due time, to ensure planning stability and investment certainty. It must be robust and feasible for our economy and society.”
He added, “Severe heatwaves, wildfires, floods and storms threaten the way we do business and run our daily lives. The long-term vision of a climate-resilient European society by 2050 must be backed up by concrete action and funding.”
Commissioner Hoekstra first announced the SME Climate Dialogue during his hearing in the European Parliament in October 2023 and it is believed that more meetings are planned for later in the year.
