”Competitiveness and environmental ambition are absolutely compatible.”
– César Luena, Member of the European Parliament
Does the EU’s green transition threaten Europe’s jobs and competitiveness? In a heated debate in the European Parliament, EPHI’s Brussels representative Adam Schlüssler challenges MEP César Luena, the lead rapporteur for the EU Nature Restoration Law and one of the key figures behind the European Green Deal, on one of the EU’s most contentious political issues: Environmental regulations versus economic competitiveness.
Luena argues that high environmental ambitions and competitiveness can go hand in hand. Schlüssler pushes back, questioning whether European businesses can remain competitive while facing mounting regulatory demands and bureaucracy. As industries face growing international pressure, one question takes centre stage:
Is the EU's extensive regulatory framework driving investment and jobs away from Europe?
The debate also addresses concerns among Swedish farmers and forest owners, who fear that the EU’s Nature Restoration Law could lead to more bureaucracy, increased uncertainty, and more restrictions on how they may use their land. Luena maintains that the law will not impose additional administrative burdens, while Schlüssler questions whether these assurances reflect reality.
The discussion then moves on to the EU's so-called Competitiveness Omnibus, an initiative to simplify regulations and strengthen competitiveness, and the question of whether Brussels is finally changing course on environmental policy. From industrial jobs and investments to electrification and Europe’s dependence on China for green technologies, the conversation highlights the growing conflict between environmental objectives and economic survival.
The interview also touches on harm reduction in the tobacco sector, nicotine pouches, and what Europe can learn from Sweden’s strategy for a smoke-free society.
Green ambitions or European jobs—less bureaucracy or more regulations?
Adam Schlüssler puts César Luena under pressure in an intense debate about the future of Europe's economy, it's farmers, and it's forest owners.
Adam Schlüssler,
EPHI's Brussels representative
Watch the full Interview here.
