We Mean Business Coalition Board statement on the EU council’s 2024-2029 strategic agenda
We Mean Business CoalitionThe EU’s Strategic Agenda defines Europe’s priorities for the 2024-2029 mandate, providing guidance to EU institutions. It will be adopted by the 27 heads of state and government during the European Council meeting on 27-28 June.
Europe is at a pivotal moment, facing decisions on its strategic direction that will determine whether it leads or follows in the next great industrial revolution. With China and the US investing heavily in the clean energy that supports business growth, job creation and more secure economies, the EU cannot afford to lose its position alongside this leading pack.
The EU’s political leadership for the past five years has set its economies and businesses on a path to compete in a world that is inevitably moving from fossil to clean. We are in a global race away from old polluting industries and towards the clean, thriving industries of the future. The economies that transition soonest and fastest will be more competitive, resilient and secure.
European citizens are already experiencing the impacts of climate change and are calling on governments to act upon it. According to a recently launched UNDP survey, 80% of people globally want their governments to take stronger action on climate change. In some of Europe’s biggest economies over 90% of people surveyed want countries to set aside disagreements and work together to address climate change.
By building on the legacy of the Green Deal, European member states have the potential to enhance the wellbeing of their citizens and improve economies. The next Strategic Agenda can set the trajectory for job creation and improvements in public health. It can also deliver investment that will drive down emissions and allow industry to flourish in the new competitive environment.
Business is central to delivering a resilient European economy. Recently more than 100 business leaders called on the EU to agree a robust 2040 climate target of at least 90% emissions reductions, and to deliver plans and policies that will scale the investment needed for a just and rapid decarbonization of their economies. Moving from fossil to clean is the way to protect from economic turmoil, enhance energy security and give life to new industries.
The We Mean Business Coalition brings together more than 16,000 companies worldwide to raise climate ambition and action. Ten thousand of those are European businesses, big and small. As the voice of leading businesses, we call on the European Council to double down on emissions cuts, maintaining its holistic approach to climate, nature, society and economy. To keep a stable planet and 1.5C in sight, with well-functioning economies, the EU must continue to lead by transitioning to a climate-neutral and socially fair Europe.
In this race from fossil fuels to clean energy, the rewards are great. We urge the EU Council not to stall progress and to ensure the EU strategic priorities for the next five years continue to deliver transformation towards a climate neutral and prosperous EU at scale and speed. Later is too late.
Signed by:
Leah Seligmann, Chief Change Catalyst & Interim CEO, The B Team
Aron Cramer, President and CEO, BSR
Sherry Madera, CEO, CDP
Eliot Whittington, Chief Systems Change Officer CISL & Director of the Corporate Leaders Groups
Helen Clarkson, CEO, Climate Group
Peter Bakker, President and CEO, World Business Council for Sustainable Development
Mindy Lubber, CEO and President, Ceres
María Mendiluce, CEO, We Mean Business Coalition
Sir Ian Cheshire, Chair, We Mean Business Coalition
Ambassador Patricia Espinosa, Independent Board Member, We Mean Business Coalition
Supriya Sen, Independent Board Member, We Mean Business Coalition
Roberto Marques, Independent Board Member, We Mean Business Coalition