Policy Briefing: The Green Deal and Beyond: A Business Agenda for a Sustainable, Competitive and Resilient Europe
19 June 2024 – Following the European elections, a new political cycle begins, during which the EU heads of state will establish a new set of strategic priorities for the next five years. From a business perspective, these priorities should be based on the European Green Deal and incorporate a range of policies aimed at making Europe more competitive, resilient, just, and trustworthy.
Download here the business agenda
The previous legislative term was defined by extraordinary events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine, which significantly altered the global political and socio-economic landscape. With the recent elections for the European Parliament and the appointment of the next EU Commission, Europe needs to craft an updated strategic response to these complex challenges.
CLG Europe, in partnership with the We Mean Business Coalition, has developed a report designed to serve as a guide for the incoming institutions: “The Green Deal and Beyond: A Business Agenda for a Sustainable, Competitive and Resilient Europe”. With the European Parliament elections so recent, there is now debate on the way forward. A majority of voters have expressed a continued for the continuation of climate friendly policies, while there is no doubt that the political dial has shifted towards more conservative parties. The flagship Green Deal should remain a strategic compass for the work of the EU, but must be completed by policies aimed at bolstering European resilience, competitiveness and prosperity. In the face of increasing uncertainty and instability, investing in the clean transition presents enormous and various benefits, and this report explores which additional measures will be needed to achieve the long-term goal of fully decarbonizing Europe by 2050.
Against this backdrop, as a voice of European leading businesses, we present four deals with specific policy recommendations to complement the EGD:
- First, an Industrial Deal that acknowledges the EU’s industrial base and its role as the world’s largest trading block, which supports the transformation of Europe’s model of production.
- Second, an Economic Deal that builds on the tradition of strong public services and resilient infrastructures in the EU and that creates the public assets for Europe’s future.
- Third, a Social Deal that reflects Europe’s principle of social cohesion and inclusiveness and involves citizens in the transformation.
- Fourth, a Political Deal that embodies the EU’s values of liberal democracy, accountability and long-term political vision.
Implementing the integrated set of deals requires EU institutions to take a systemic approach and coordinated work across departments. Doing so successfully will set the EU on a path that will make it more competitive, more resilient, more just and more trusted.
Citing this report
University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL). (2024). The Green Deal and Beyond: A Business Agenda for a Sustainable, Competitive and Resilient Europe. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership.