German minister calls for flexibility on EU climate goals

Germany’s Economy and Energy Minister, Katherina Reiche, has openly questioned the European Union’s approach to climate neutrality.

Speaking at the CERAWeek conference in Texas, she said the bloc should not insist on achieving a complete zero emissions balance by 2050 and should accept a deviation of five to ten per cent, according to Politico.

Overly stringent climate targets risk damaging industry, particularly energy-intensive sectors that Europe does not want to lose, she said. At the same time, she argued that this does not amount to a rejection of climate protection but reflects an attempt to find a more flexible and economically sustainable model.

In this context, Reiche emphasised the importance of economic growth, affordability and energy sufficiency.

(pir)