Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2011-09-12-Speech-1-080-000"
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"en.20110912.21.1-080-000"2
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".
Mr President, Europe is facing one of its most testing times yet. As we Europeans find ourselves in an increasingly globalised world, we face the dual challenge of securing European prosperity and fighting climate change. Over the coming decades we need to restructure the European economy in order to achieve smart, sustainable and inclusive growth for the whole continent. These are challenges acknowledged in the EU's jobs and growth strategy, the 2020 Strategy, and they should also be at the forefront of a successful raw materials strategy.
The challenges should not be underestimated. According to some estimates, investment needs for transport, energy, ICT and other sectors will amount to EUR 4 000 billion up to 2050. To achieve this, a secure supply of raw materials is the key to a future where Europe leads the world in green technology. As economies go greener they also increasingly compete for the same key raw materials, many of which we must import from competing world powers.
The raw materials strategy needs to be connected – or more connected – to other important European policies, for example on industry, research, trade, transport and sustainable economic growth. Especially at this time of crisis, we need real growth- orientated reforms based on encouraging free trade. Tying a raw materials strategy based on free trade closer to other EU policies will enhance access to raw materials for European companies as well.
Apart from being green and trade-oriented, the EU raw materials strategy must also ensure that both developed and developing countries can benefit from the sustainable supply of materials. It is crucial that the capacity of developing countries is strengthened using the ‘Aid for Trade’ mechanism. Special attention must be paid to fragile states and post-conflict situations in order to ensure that raw materials are not used to escalate or finance conflict.
Europe needs actions aimed at innovation and eliminating trade barriers in third countries, not a policy of stockpiling rare and critical raw materials while undermining democracy abroad.
Europe should also take advantage of the materials that we have here. Contrary to frequent assertions, Europe is still rich in natural resources and, with its minerals, metals and forests, Northern Europe in particular has the potential to meet many of the EU’s raw material needs in a sustainable way, provided there is transport.
If sound and strategic management of our own resources can be coupled with real reform of the internal market, we will be well on our way to being a competitive player in tomorrow’s global green economy.
Finally, I would like to congratulate the rapporteur on a very good report."@en1
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