At its plenary session on 24 February, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) presented its opinion "Fit for 55": delivering the EU's 2030 Climate Target on the way to climate neutrality. The EESC has put forward concrete proposals to help accelerate the energy transition so as to enable the EU to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030.

Reaching the revised 2030 targets, as proposed in the Fit for 55 package, will unevenly affect regions, communities and individuals across Europe.

To address those concerns, the EESC recommends that the European Commission undertake granular mapping of the impact the transition will have on employment and skills in the different countries, regions and sectors, including on subcontractors and downstream value chains.

We need to embark on a model that results in a prosperous, sustainable and competitive economy. That is why the EESC is recommending that all the legislative proposals submitted within the framework of Fit for 55 undergo a competitiveness check so that the full implications for enterprise are properly understood.

Social partners and key civil society organisations have a critical role to play and must be involved in both the planning and implementation phases of the Fit for 55 package.

Therefore, "the EESC supports the establishment of tripartite 'Just Transition Commissions' to allow regional authorities, social partners and civil society organisations to participate in the implementation of the national and regional just transition plans", stressed Mr Lohan.

Addressing climate change will have huge financial, social and environmental implications. "This is why we need to make sure that the Fit for 55 package is an important stepping-stone, rather than a stumbling-block, towards a net-zero European economy by 2050," pointed out Mr Mallia. (mr)