Role of the EU Industry to lead the green economy
Janez Potočnik, European Commissioner for Environment, has said that “public authorities have an important role to play in this promoting our eco-industries”.
Speaking at the opening of the Industrial GreenTec Fair, held in Germany, he said: “At European, regional and local level, we should continue to develop the right framework conditions and help provide specialist advice and finance facilities for SMEs throughout Europe. SMEs are often faced with market failures due to longer returns on investment and difficulty in penetrating well established markets.”
He also spoke about the importance of Horizon 2020 for the eco-industries. He said: “2014 is a key year for European funding opportunities because it is the first year of a new budgetary cycle spanning the next 7 years. Public authorities at all levels should ensure that innovative green businesses take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the Structural Funds, the Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, and the COSME enterprise programme by increasing awareness and by supporting the participation of potential beneficiaries.”
Potočnik concluded by explaining that the more efficient European industries become in their use of resources and energy, “the more chance we have of keeping those industries in Europe and remaining competitive on the world stage”.
