An energy policy of European industry

A re-evaluation of the Commission’s strategy on the liberalisation of energy markets and an increased role for the public sector in energy markets; national planning and initiation of new major energy projects to ensure long term supply of electricity as well as investment in more and improved energy technologies;

Protection for the weakest groups in society from fuel poverty; International trade policies working for workers promoting trade not as a goal of itself but as part of a strategy for growth and prosperity in the developed and developing world; the inclusion of social and ecological clauses in all free trade agreements, whether bilateral or multilateral; Ensuring that workers subject to restructuring as a result of trade liberalisation are covered by anticipation policies and adequate support measures.

Towards a proactive European manufacturing agendaEurope must guard its ambition to maintain and develop high value-added industrial activities. Industry remains vitally important for a successful European economy to create jobs, to boost productivity, to fuel innovation and to raise social standards. Industrial policy must try to anticipate and manage change in a socially responsible way.

There is no doubt that an active industrial policy, able to tackle the radical transformation industry is undergoing and to mobilise the economy and society around a sustainable industry, will contribute to maintaining and developing a world class industrial activities within Europe and will be able to deliver on its social and environmental objectives.