This marks a clear change in direction by the EPP members at a time when the European Commission is preparing measures to enhance the EU's competitiveness. According to EPP leaders, the party is not against climate targets but fears that overregulation will have adverse effects on growth and employment.
For this reason, the group calls for a thorough analysis of the feasibility of new laws. It emphasizes the importance of flexible frameworks, especially for smaller companies with limited resources. The EPP expresses concern about the EU’s competitive strength, which is under pressure from high energy prices, inflation, and strong international competition.
According to the EPP, companies should be granted two more years to comply with the new 'chain liability' (CSDDD regulation). The group wants to reduce bureaucratic pressure and give companies the opportunity to practically adjust their supply chains.
Besides postponing future rules, the EPP also advocates adjustments to existing legislation. The Christian democrats want to weaken Green Deal measures so that not all companies are affected equally. They believe that stricter obligations should apply especially to large companies, while smaller enterprises should be subject to less extensive regulation.
This is particularly important for the agricultural sector, where profit margins are tight and costs are rising due to, among other things, high energy prices. The EPP sees this as a threat to the competitiveness of European farmers. Therefore, the group demands additional support and postponement of strict climate regulations,
EPP group leader Manfred Weber made it clear last weekend (at a German CDU election event) that the plea is mainly aimed at ‘less Brussels regulatory pressure’. By limiting or relaxing regulations, they hope to make companies in the EU more resilient.
The European Commission is currently preparing plans to make the EU economy more competitive. However, it is still unclear whether these proposals will align with the renewed demands of the influential EPP group. Intensive negotiations are on the agenda in the coming months in the European Parliament and the Council, where both economic interests and climate ambitions will play a role.