EU’s Green Deal proposals get thumbs up from union body


The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) has welcomed climate proposals presented in December by the new European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen. Under the plans, dubbed the European Green Deal, the EU will act to become carbon-neutral by 2050. 


More immediately, it will cut emissions by 50% to 55% of their 1990 level by 2030, up from a previous 40% target by that date.


The planned measures include increased financial support for decarbonisation in countries in Central and Eastern Europe which rely more heavily on fossil fuels than other member states. 


The proposals also include action on flights, higher petrol and diesel prices and changes to agricultural policy.


ETUC general secretary Luca Visentini welcomed the “ambitious” plans. But he said they must be matched by “measures to ensure there is a socially just transition to a green economy for all workers and communities”. He added that unions and employers had “experience of managing these difficult processes … we should be involved every step of the way”.

https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/european-green-deal-communication_en.pdf