EU taxonomy: 'roadblock' or enabler of the green technologies?

Organised by the European Parliament Intergroup on 'Sustainable, Long-term Investments & Competitive European Industry', hosted by one of its co-chairs, Maria da Graça Carvalho (PT/EPP), the event took a very timely look at how the taxonomy is working for Europe's technology industries. "Sustainable finance is at the heart of the union's agenda, and the Green Deal achievements will depend very much on a successful implementation of the rules dedicated to the investments in the different sectors", as Ms Carvalho emphasised.

In the first place, many enabling technologies – from industrial automation solutions that enable industrial decarbonisation to digital technologies like digital twins – have been left out altogether so far. "The fact that these technologies are not considered is generating significant disruption for our stakeholders", said Olivier Le Floc'h, VP Carbon Neutrality, Legrand. Secondly, certain of the requirements on companies to participate in the economy are proving unworkable and "so demanding that they are impossible to comply with", added Mr Le Floc'h.

"Unless we get this right, Europe will be handing on a silver platter to other major economies, the future growth and prosperity, stemming from the green economy", stressed Malte Lohan. 

Getting it right

Looking forward, moderator Andreas Brunsgaard, Orgalim representative in the European Commission Platform on Sustainable Finance, and Senior Adviser at the Confederation of Danish Industry, pointed out on behalf of industry that there is clearly a need for further guidance.

Chiara Martinelli, Director of Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe marked that "for the taxonomy to be functional, it needs to put the lens both of the investors and the lens of all of us that want to reach societal transformation," adding that "emissions-intensive activities cannot be labelled as green".

Concluding for the Commission, Mr Haag assured that "we will see how we can address a whole range of issues, including also the role of enabling technologies" in the upcoming delegated act and added that "we will make sure that that the market participants, both from the real economy and from the financial side can actually use the tools that we are providing, and can use them in a way that avoids unnecessary red tape and bureaucratic burden".

If you missed the event or would like to replay it, you can find the full recording below or here.

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