12 April 2024
On Wednesday 10 April 2024, SGI Europe published its position paper “SGIs and the Future of the Single Market: SGI Europe contribution to the Letta report on the Future of the Single Market”. In this paper, SGI Europe highlights the importance of services of general interest in reconciling the economic and social objectives of the Single Market and its corollary, the Cohesion Policy.
Echoing Mr Letta's spirit of inclusiveness and consultations, this contribution is the result of a process started with the hearing "Democracy in Action: Putting Citizens and SGIs at the Heart of the Single Market" on 7 December, which was organized in the presence of Enrico Letta.
This event allowed a direct exchange with SGI Europe members, partners from the SGIs Network, and citizens involved in the Conference on the Future of Europe.
In line with the SGI Europe Strategic Priorities 2024-2029 and our Manifesto, the position paper highlights key priorities, including:
During the College of Commissioners meeting this week, Enrico Letta also discussed the report and its recommendations ahead of the presentation scheduled during the special meeting of the European Council on 17-18 April 2024.
Contact: Benoit Cassorla
On 8th April, Mrs. Valeria Ronzitti participated in the name of SGI Europe, the European Commission’s Clean Transition Dialogue, dedicated to addressing the topic of Clean Mobility in Europe. The session was opened by President Ursula von der Layen, pointing out the importance of transforming the transport sector in Europe as it is responsible for around a quarter of the Greenhouse gas emissions. The transport sector has the means to reduce emissions to mitigate climate change. The meeting also addressed the importance of the Emission Trading System (ETS). SGI Europe also pleaded for an effective ETS scheme in the transport sector.
The session was chaired by Executive Vice-President Maros Sefcovic and Commissioner Adina Valean, asking participants how the European Commission can support and assist industries and operators in reaching the targets of the Green Deal. SGI Europe made clear that structural modal shift plans must take place from road to rail and private vehicles to public transport via a Mobility as a Service approach. To mobilise Europe, public transport and rail company operators need political commitment to secure structural finances that will ensure investments in climate-friendly projects.
Lastly, as an EU Social Partner, meeting the challenges of providing sufficient skilled workers will be vital. There is a severe lack of public transport workers in almost all EU member states. The upcoming European Commission must address this and encourage member states to take targeted actions.
Contact: Henriette Gleau
On Thursday 11 April, SGI Europe organised the workshop “Social Dialogue in Circular Economy – Waste to Energy” in the framework of the project “Social Dialogue in Circular Economy” (SDiCE). The project, funded by the European Union, led by Employers of Poland and co-implemented by SGI Europe, aims to promote and develop social dialogue in Poland at cross-industry and sectoral levels and strengthen national social partners' capacity.
The workshop on Waste to Energy (WtE) implements the recommendations of European Social Partners on the transition to a circular economy. Social Partners are encouraged to promote the shift to a circular economy by raising awareness and informing their members. The event aims to identify effective strategies to promote sustainable waste management practices and advance the transition towards a circular economy.
Participants and stakeholders coming from European, national, and local/municipal levels included policymakers and industry and sector representatives who shared their insights, experiences, and expertise on the topic. Throughout the workshop, experts coming from CEWEP, FEAD, and Municipal Waste Europe explored the benefits, opportunities, and challenges of Waste to Energy, as well as the interventions needed to develop the potential of the WtE sector in Europe and the legislative tools available at European level which include, among others, the EU Taxonomy and the new circular economy action plan (CEAP). Of particular relevance was the interesting presentation of the state of play of WtE in Poland made by Eko-Pak, an organisation representing leading companies in the Polish market producing packaging.
Contact: Cecilia Martin
On Wednesday, 10 April 2024, the European Commission presented a stocktaking Communication on the Clean Transition Dialogues (CTDs). European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the CTDs in the 2023 State of the Union speech to discuss with industry and social partners how to implement the EU Green Deal.
Nine sessions of the Clean Transition Dialogues have been organised, focusing on hydrogen, energy-intensive industries, clean tech, the Green Deal infrastructure, critical raw materials, forest-based bioeconomy, cities, clean mobility, and steel. SGI Europe joined several CTDs, including infrastructure, critical raw materials, and mobility.
In its stock-taking communication, the Commission highlights five main building blocks for a reinforced industrial approach to deliver on the EU Green Deal: an effective and simplified regulatory framework for businesses to deliver on the transition; action on energy prices; modern infrastructure; easier access to finance; and a stronger Single Market in a globally competitive environment.
Those conclusions will feed into the ongoing preparation of the EU Strategic Agenda 2024-2029, and the European Commission has pledged to continue engaging with industry and social partners through the Clean Transition Dialogues.
Contact: Henriette Gleau
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