Commissioner Hedegaard invites EU business heads to round table on maintaining low-carbon leadership

Connie Hedegaard, European Commissioner for Climate Action, has invited the business leaders of some of Europe's major and most innovative companies to a round table meeting on Monday, May 17 to discuss how the European Union can best maintain its lead in the transition to a climate-friendly, low-carbon global economy. Over 20 top managers will take part in the event.

"It is of the utmost importance that the EU maintain its global lead as the world shifts towards a low-carbon economy," says Commissioner Hedegaard. "This is critical for Europe's future economic growth, our competitiveness, the creation of new jobs and our energy security. We have gained a head start with the 2008 climate and energy package but to maintain European leadership requires the help of business."

The aim of the round table, being held under the motto 'Leading by Example,' is to have a strategic discussion on the transition to a low-carbon economy. This will consider in particular the global competition, need for stimulation of innovativeness as well as any barriers that are holding back European businesses and the policy response that is needed to promote European leadership. The intention is to build on case studies from business itself to show that becoming more energy efficient and climate friendly stimulates growth when done intelligently.

Immediately after the meeting with the Commissioner, there will be a press conference (with some of the business leaders) at 17.15 in the Berlaymont press room.

Background

The economic crisis has had a profound impact on the pace of the transition towards the low-carbon economy worldwide. Governments in many countries gave a major stimulus to investments in green infrastructure and clean energy production and are stepping up climate-related research and development. The US and China have recently been considered the best investment locations for renewable energy.