The European Commission’s Clean Industrial Deal has faced sharp criticism from Czech leaders, who argue that the plan fails to reconcile ambitious climate goals with economic realities, according to Euractiv.
Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura have both expressed concerns about the feasibility and impact of the deal, which aims to support industry while advancing the EU’s Green Deal objectives.
Following a government meeting on Wednesday, Prime Minister Fiala questioned the viability of the Clean Industrial Deal, describing it as a combination of “contradictory trends.” He noted that the plan attempts to simultaneously support industrial growth and push forward with the Green Deal, which he suggested may not be compatible.
At first glance, it seems that contradictory trends are being combined – on the one hand, support for the industry, and, on the other, the continuation of the Green Deal.
Stanjura raised additional issues, highlighting the financial strain of Europe’s growing defence needs and the costs associated with decarbonisation. He warned that the EU cannot afford to increase defence spending while maintaining its current climate targets without incurring more debt.
We will not have the funds to increase defence spending while keeping decarbonisation targets unchanged.
He also pointed out that the push for decarbonisation is driving up costs for European businesses, making them less competitive globally. According to Stanjura, the restrictions imposed to cut emissions are prompting European companies to invest outside the EU, further weakening the bloc’s industrial base.
The Czech Confederation of Industry has also voiced strong opposition to the Clean Industrial Deal, calling the EU’s climate targets “ideological and lethal for many industrial sectors.” Jan Rafaj, the confederation’s president, argued that the plan could further weaken Europe’s economy.
No one has explained how Europe is supposed to achieve this target or what the consequences will be without destroying industry. We must protect the climate, but we need a different approach.
