“Until now, the European Union has been an ambitious community, the leader of environmental protection, alternative energy. However, we notice today that despite being the leader, despite being at the forefront … it is behind in terms of competitiveness. As industry is being moved to the third countries, we are talking about the prudent level [of carbon emissions],” Valentinas Mazuronis told reporters after the meeting of the Commission for the Environment, Climate Change and Energy of the Committee of the Regions on Monday.
While urging the world to reduce carbon emissions, the EU is supporting developing countries, providing them with required equipment, which undermines the Community’s own competitiveness, the minister has said, adding that it is possible either to try to become leaders of environmental protection or to set goals that would not affect the Community’s competitiveness.
“Let’s get together and decide, which way we can choose, what level [of carbon emissions] we can maintain … It’s a serious issue, between ambitions and leadership, without losing economic positions or competitiveness,” Mazuronis said.
