Quotes about The Green Deal and Beyond
“Amazon co-founded The Climate Pledge, setting a goal to become net-zero carbon across our operations by 2040. We believe the EU can deliver a sustainable and scalable transition that works for SMEs and removes barriers across the Single Market. Key measures to achieve this include expanding and modernizing electricity infrastructure and supporting innovation in emerging technologies such as energy storage and low carbon building materials. Doubling down on implementation of transport decarbonisation measures will also help achieve the goals of the Green Deal.”
Kara Hurst, Vice President of Worldwide Sustainability, Amazon
“The EU currently remains the global leader for sustainability policies, but there is still work to be done in the coming five years. We see an opportunity to refocus more closely on the circular economy, taking tangible steps to improve material flows, and ensure self-sufficiency and competitiveness. A fundamental shift in approach is required, reframing waste as a ‘resource’, aiming to introduce a more harmonised application of resource policies and supporting further development of recycling infrastructure. Resources must also be allocated to ensure a truly just transition. A win for people, planet and European competitiveness.”
Karen Pflug, Chief Sustainability Officer, Ingka Group|IKEA
‘’Electricity accounts for barely one fourth of Europe's final energy consumption. To achieve carbon neutrality and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, we must accelerate the electrification of end uses in transport, buildings, industry. Consequently, the electricity sector has a major role to play. It requires massive public and private investment to deploy decarbonised technologies on a large scale. For us, two key drivers are: an approach that includes the technologies that deliver climate neutrality, such as renewables and nuclear, in all future legislation; and robust CO2 price signals, providing long term visibility to investors.”
Luc Rémont, CEO, EDF
“At a time when it’s crystal clear that we have to act decisively on climate change while cutting energy bills and improving energy security, building renovation stands out as a top priority in the sustainable transition. The good news is it doesn’t need a technological breakthrough. It’s about scaling up good programmes and policies that are already working across Europe, investing more in local production and jobs, and making it easier for people and businesses to access funding.”
Mirella A. Vitale, SVP Marketing, Communication & Public Affairs, ROCKWOOL Group
“The strength of Coca-Cola Europacific Partner’s business is built on putting sustainability at the heart of what we do. This means acting to advance circularity and innovation in our bottling and distribution processes and working closely with our suppliers and customers to reduce emissions across our value chain. We know these actions are integral to our competitiveness and we call on policymakers to focus on implementing the Green Deal which will provide a clear decarbonisation pathway for business.”
Joe Franses, VP Sustainability, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
“The green transition is about tackling the climate crisis, and equally about ensuring Europe’s competitiveness, resilience and energy security. With the Green Deal we have the right legislative framework. Now it’s time to deliver on what’s been agreed and stay the course towards not just 2030, but also 2040 and 2050. As industry, we depend on ambitious, strong, long-term investment signals and broad business collaboration to drive innovation towards low carbon, energy efficient and healthy buildings.”
Lars Petersson, CEO, VELUX Group
“The European Union must continue leading the green agenda, as an enabler for more competitiveness, energy independence and reaching climate goals.
For this, we need to strengthen the Single Market and the Energy Union for a robust economic and industrial environment and promote the needed private investments. This requires that we push energy markets integration, a common energy taxation system, more grids and interconnections, more storage, faster and unified permitting, and stable regulations.
More integration in the EU will enable a secure, clean supply at competitive and affordable prices for all consumers.”
Ignacio Galán, Executive Chairman, Iberdrola
“Europe faces a critical juncture. Our new business agenda builds on the legacy of the Green Deal with strategies for a competitive, resilient, fair and trusted EU. As global crises escalate, we set out what business sees as priorities for the EU’s new leadership towards achieving a climate neutral and nature positive economy by 2050, ensuring Europe not only survives but thrives."
Ursula Woodburn, Director of CLG Europe and CISL Europe
“Businesses must embrace change and focus on innovations that reduce emissions throughout their value chain. Committing to science-based net zero targets with a clearly defined climate transition plan should be a priority for every company that values the well-being of society and the environment. Through this approach, we continue to lead our industry, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in energy-efficient, connected, and circular lighting technologies that deliver a positive impact for people, communities and our environment."
Alice Steenland, Chief of Strategy, Sustainability and Marketing at Signify
“This is an important political moment for the EU to demonstrate leadership. The only way to protect from economic turmoil and give life to new industries is to move decisively from polluting fossil fuels to cleaner solutions. The race is on and those that transition soonest and fastest will be more competitive. Business is central to delivering thriving, resilient economies and are calling for policies that will scale investment. Working together, the Commission, politicians and business could see Europe emerge as a leader in the global markets of the future.”
Maria Mendiluce, CEO, We Mean Business Coalition