Funding. The communication published last Wednesday explains that, “At a time when financial problems persist, Europe needs its real economy more than ever to underpin the recovery of economic growth and jobs.” In this document, the Commission announces the introduction of taskforces dedicated to sectors identified as key for the recovery, namely “advanced manufacturing technologies, key enabling technologies, bio-based products, sustainable industrial and construction policy and raw materials, clean vehicles, smart grids.” It notably provides for the adoption of simplified regulations for these new products and the coordinated development of production infrastructures suited for these sectors. It also announces the possibility of private-public partnerships to provide funding in the industry. Ulrich Eckelmann, general secretary of the IndustriAll European trade union, fears that this orientation could be a hollow wish as no investments have been announced for the workers. “The goals are good and many measures agree with what our union has been defending for a long time, but the communication doesn’t deal with the issue of funding. With the current austerity policies in Europe, one can think that, as Germany, the European Commission is planning to develop this industrial policy by relying on low wage levels.”
agree with what our union has been defending for a long time, but the communication doesn’t deal with the issue of funding. With the current austerity policies in Europe, one can think that, as Germany, the European Commission is planning to develop this industrial policy by relying on low wage levels.”
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