25
Apr
2024
Watch
Framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology products manufacturing ecosystem (Net Zero Industry Act) (debate)
Mr President, thank you very much. With the stubbornness of a fool, you have shuffled through an ineffective and expensive climate policy that makes no difference at all. You have done so at a time of extreme crises such as the pandemic and the invasion of Ukraine, which have alarmed and affected ordinary people more than Greta Thunberg. And when the cost crisis and inflation were a fact because of the Green Agenda – not even then did you choose to pause. Instead, you are gassing on with new regulatory burdens and a common loan trap of just over EUR 800 billion that indebted our children and grandchildren. Today, coronavirus billions are seeping into national budgets without any control whatsoever. The EU no longer trusts the market economy. The EU also no longer trusts companies. Instead, we have a straitjacket that strangles innovation and drives our industries towards net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. The result is that they risk going bankrupt or choose to move their business to another part of the world. But tell me: If EU industry no longer survives and EU citizens no longer have jobs and can contribute to taxes and EU levies, how will you finance your favourite projects? Climate policy should focus on what actually makes a difference, not just expensive symbolic policies. It's time to redo and do the right thing and tear up and throw everything in the trash.