Friedrich Merz is a convinced pro-European
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Peter Liese: MEP knows future German chancellor for more than 36 years / He will fight for Ukraine, support existing climate targets while reducing red tape and putting strong focus on economic growth and security as well as fighting illegal migration
“Friedrich Merz is above all a convinced pro-European,” said Peter Liese, Member of the European Parliament and spokesperson on environment and climate for the biggest group in the European Parliament (EPP, Christian Democrats). Liese knows Friedrich Merz for more than 36 years. In fact, Merz was his predecessor in the European Parliament.
Competitiveness and less bureaucracy at the heart of the 2025 work programme
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Peter Liese: EU Commission continues course correction / Acceptance for climate and environmental policy can only be sustained if we make adjustments
The European Commission is continuing its course correction. In its work programme for 2025, which was adopted on Tuesday, the EU ‘government’ is prioritising competitiveness and the reduction of bureaucracy. For example, a revision of the controversial European chemical policy is announced under the heading of ‘simplification’. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Corporate Sustainability Reporting, Due Diligence and the so-called taxonomy are to be simplified and made less bureaucratic. Dr Peter Liese, spokesperson for environmental policy for the largest political group in the European Parliament (EPP, Christian Democrats), welcomed the decision: “We must preserve the core of the Green Deal, in particular the climate targets, but unfortunately there is far too much unnecessary bureaucracy and this must be removed. The European Parliament has often adopted positions against our group regarding climate and environmental policy according to the motto: Not only do we need belts and braces, but there are sometimes five belts, three of which are tied so tightly that the economy has no air to breathe. That's why we need to loosen them.”
Read more: Competitiveness and less bureaucracy at the heart of the 2025 work programme
The Commission is getting serious about reducing bureaucracy
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In a first step, four laws are to be freed from bureaucratic burdens / Over 90% of companies previously subject to CBAM reporting obligations will be completely exempt / Support for industry in transitioning to climate neutrality and a package of measures to lower electricity prices
“The European Commission is finally getting serious about cutting red tape. I expect a bold move to reduce administrative burdens in a first step involving four specific laws this coming Wednesday,” said the environmental policy spokesperson for the largest group in the European Parliament, Peter Liese (EPP), at a press conference in Brussels. The four laws concern Corporate Sustainability Reporting (CSRD), the European Due Diligence (CSDDD), the so-called Taxonomy, and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
“The Commission rightly says that we need to continue pursuing climate protection, and that, if done correctly, climate action can be a driver of innovation. However, we urgently need to make adjustments. In my view, developments within the European Commission can largely be attributed to pressure from Christian Democrats across Europe,” Liese continued.
Read more: The Commission is getting serious about reducing bureaucracy
New Work Program of the European Commission
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Peter Liese: Good that the Commission focuses on reducing bureaucracy and increasing competitiveness / Climate targets can only be achieved if we do better and act more pragmatically / Revision of REACH should make life easier for industry / Targeted review of CO2 cars expected rather sooner than later
“It is good that the Commission focuses on reducing bureaucracy and increasing competitiveness in its work program for 2025,” said Peter Liese, spokesperson for the biggest group in the European Parliament (EPP, Christian Democrats) for environment, climate, and food safety, ahead of presentation of the Commission's work program on Tuesday this week.