Brussels, 27 May 2020 – EuropeOn, the European Electrical Contractors’ Association, welcomes the presentation of the EU’s Recovery Plan “Next Generation EU”, with its clear emphasis on achieving the Green Deal objectives and tapping into the tremendous job potential of the energy transition.
 

Nevertheless, we are convinced that direct electrification should be given a greater role as it is a key driver for decarbonisation, digitalisation and energy efficiency, all the while fostering security of supply and resilience of our economy. Alongside energy benefits, focusing on direct electrification comes with high employment benefits, with numerous, green, local and skilled jobs.
 

In this regard, EuropeOn calls on the Commission and all European policymakers to ensure that the Renovation Wave, as announced in the Recovery Plan and the Green Deal, will take into account the necessity to modernise and strengthen electrical systems in European buildings. Deep renovations offer a rare opportunity to provide for electrical systems in buildings that can accommodate the latest climate-mitigating technologies such as solar PV, electric vehicle charging or electric heat-pumps.
 

EuropeOn emphasises that direct electrification should be a central feature of the upcoming Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, in view of future-proofing mobility for the next generation of EU citizens. Indeed, direct electrification of transport offers the most energy efficient solutions to decarbonise the majority of transport-related emissions sources.

Today, Commission President Von der Leyen has emphasised the primordial role of skills and that “no Member States should have to choose between responding to the crisis and investing in their people”. EuropeOn welcomes this statement which echoes the electrical contracting sector’s calls for investments in Skills4Climate, with up- and re-skilling programmes, as a necessary steppingstone towards climate neutrality and thus an ideal candidate for green recovery funds.
 

Julie Beaufils, EuropeOn Secretary General commented: “We have been early supporters of the Call for mobilisation for a Green Recovery, as we see great potential in the recovery plan to accelerate the energy transition, foster direct electrification and promote sustainable growth in our sector, already comprising over 1.8 million workers. We see this Recovery Plan as a first crucial step in the dialogue with all stakeholders and we are ready to share ideas and restart the European economy on a green and competitive basis.”