Matteo Salvini (Lapresse)
European taxonomy, a clash between idealism and pragmatism
At least you expect it, from the marshy salt of the European Commission, common sense words arrive on the issue of the green transition. While in Italy, after the re-election of Mattarella, the parties perpetuate their games far from reality, up there in Europe something important happens on the controversial “taxonomy”. To direct the necessary investments – both public (such as those envisaged by the Next Generation EU) and private – to the goal that Europe has set itself to become climate-neutral by 2050 (the “Green Deal“), The taxonomythat is the classification system that establishes the eco-sustainable economic activities. Taxonomy will increasingly become the compass for investors around the world. The stakes are enormous because substantial incentives (some already allocated) will be put on the table as well as new tax and banking regulations.
There European Central Bankfor example, is moving in this direction by pushing for new green bond issues to be in line with theEuropean Green Bond Standard. The benefits for countries that will favor green investments (in line with the taxonomy) to be excluded from the calculation of the deficit are also being discussed. However, the recent decision of the European Commission to also include the gas and the nuclear among the sustainable investments. It is obvious that this is not about sustainable investments, but that is not the point. The real point is: do you want to ride an ideal or try to pragmatically achieve a goal? The real issue is transition and the Commission makes it clear: “On February 2, 2022 the Commission approved in principle a complementary delegated act on climate which includes, under strict conditions, specific activities in the nuclear energy and gas sector in the list of economic activities covered by the taxonomy of theEU. The criteria for specific gas and nuclear activities are in line with the EU’s climate and environmental objectives and will help accelerate the shift from solid or liquid fossil fuels, including coal, to a climate-neutral future “(https: //ec.europa.eu/info/business-economy-euro/banking-and-finance/sustainable-finance/eu-taxonomy-sustainable-activities_it?etrans=it). With unusual pragmatism, the Commission essentially says that even some economic activities that are clearly not climate neutral or renewable could, under strict conditions and for a limited period of time, allow the transition to a sustainable energy system. The followers of Greta Thunberg will not be happy, but it is the task of (serious) politics to trace practicable paths and not to deceive the community that it is possible to reset one model of growth and development in favor of another without asking the question of transition and costs ( also social) that entails. This is why the Commission’s courageous choice is welcome.
European taxonomy: Salvini in favor of the European Commission, Pd and 5 Stars against
For once Salvinimore realistic than the king or perhaps just to annoy his government allies, he said he was in favor of European Commission (where, however, there was a split), while the combination is against Pd And 5 stars who immediately cried out to scandal. Today renewables would not be sufficient to completely replace fossil sources, with the risk therefore of sinking the economy, therefore also focusing on gas and nuclear power as a bridge towards a greener energy system seems the most sensible hypothesis even if opposed by ecologists of profession. We fully embrace the words of Mairead McGuinness, EU Commissioner for Sustainable Finance, when she speaks of a provision “which may be imperfect, but is a solution that pushes us further towards our final goal, of carbon neutrality“. The provision will have to pass to the examination of the Council and the European Parliament and it is easy for the ideal, if not indifferent, tones that only apparently do the good of future generations to prevail in those places.
Read also
#European #taxonomy #rift #Salvini #Europe #Letta