The government opposes a new European fund to help companies in EU member states become more sustainable and faster. Economy Minister Adriaansens notes that there are many other ways companies can make money for greening.
In response to the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the European Commission presented its so-called Green Reconciliation Industry Plan (GDIP) last week. This is the Biden administration’s investment package to reduce inflation while making US industry more sustainable.
With the European alternative, Brussels wants to make it more attractive for companies to continue production in the EU. To that end, the Commission wants to relax state aid rules for green projects. Approvals for the production of wind turbines, for example, should also be granted faster.
not convinced
To finance the GDIP, the Commission wants to create a new fund that will be partially filled with money from the European Corona Recovery Fund. Money from the new fund can also be used by member states to get grants and loans to make their economies greener.
Minister Adriaansens writes that he supports most of the plan, but that the Netherlands does not want any new funding. “As for European financing, the government is not yet convinced of the need for new resources or tools.” The Minister believes that “improving the use of existing resources and tools” should be explored.
The European Commission’s plans are not yet complete. This week, leaders will discuss them at a European summit in Brussels.
Source: NOS
Emma Fitzgerald is an accomplished political journalist and author at The Nation View. With a background in political science and international relations, she has a deep understanding of the political landscape and the forces that shape it.
