Saarlouis Declaration
Remaining an Industrial Nation: Reforming Emissions Trading and Strengthening Climate Protection Pioneers
Germany must remain an industrial nation. The downward trend in the German economy and the loss of jobs, especially in industries with collectively bargained positions, must be stopped. This requires a reform of the European emissions trading system to ensure reliable progress in protecting the climate, nature, and people, while simultaneously preventing the loss of prosperity and jobs in Europe.
The reform must not punish those who have invested early in the decarbonization of their production through climate protection projects. For example, the Saarland steel industry has decisively and consistently taken the path toward one of Europe's largest climate protection projects by switching to "green steel," which is currently under construction.
European industrial policy must not penalize those who have embraced decarbonization early with the currently discussed adjustments to the ETS. Pioneers of the transformation need planning security and fair competitive conditions.
Existing investments must be protected. Companies that invested relying on the current system should still be able to maintain a viable business model even after a reform.
In the future, free allocation of certificates could only be granted to companies that already produce climate-neutrally.
Steel represents the future and, as a basic industry, is fundamental to other economic sectors. The resilience of the world’s third-largest economy also includes a strong steel industry. Especially in key economic sectors, we must avoid becoming overly dependent on non-European countries. Moreover, steel is associated with a strong form of social and collective partnership through the Montan co-determination introduced by the CDU, which must be defended.
The necessity of fair conditions for climate-friendly industrial investments
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