The European Commission’s latest strategy, framed as the so-called Clean Industrial Deal, falls short of addressing the dual crises of climate change and social inequality. Yet by prioritising competitiveness over meaningful climate action and public well-being, the Commission continues to uphold a market-driven approach that serves corporate interests rather than the needs of people and the planet. The lack of new public investments, the narrow scope of social policies once again signal the Commission’s real agenda: benefiting corporations at the expense of people and the planet.
The Left has a better vision for Europe. These are our five measures for a just and fair transition:
- Public Energy Ownership and Renewable Priority
Replace the current electricity market system by prioritising public ownership of renewable energy production and decouple electricity prices from gas markets entirely. Massive public investments in solar, wind, and community-led energy projects should be accelerated, offering community models of green energy to households and small businesses at low prices. - Strong Social Conditionality and Democratic Participation
Embed strong social conditionality in all public funding for the transition, ensuring that companies receiving public funds respect collective bargaining, provide quality jobs, and uphold workers’ rights. Trade unions and workers’ representatives must be directly involved in shaping industrial strategies at all levels. The roadmap for quality jobs should guarantee living wages, job security, worker participation, and collective bargaining rights. - Massive Public Investment Framework
The neoliberal model has failed our public services. It’s time for a new phase of public investment. With this, we can fund large-scale public investments in renewable energy, grids, transport infrastructure, and energy efficiency. It should be financed through resources such as a tax on excess profits, wealth, and a Financial Transaction Tax. - Sustainable Industrial Policy with Redistribution Mechanisms
Develop an integrated, sustainable industrial policy that promotes green manufacturing, circular economy industries, and the protection of strategic sectors crucial to the transition. Establish intra-EU redistribution mechanisms to ensure that investments are fairly distributed across all regions, particularly those most affected by the transition. This would tackle regional inequalities and protect vulnerable communities. - Climate First Industrial Strategy
Place climate objectives at the heart of the European industrial strategy, with a clear priority on renewables and energy efficiency. Reject the influence of the fossil-fuels lobby. Align all industrial policies with the Paris Agreement and the EU’s climate targets, prioritising emissions reductions, biodiversity protection, and climate justice.
