Orsini: The EU is short-sighted on energy. Meloni has fought for industry

‘When we talk about the ETS, we are talking about competitiveness and unfair competition from China: between 2025 and 2026, China opened 135 coal-fired power stations. Coal accounts for 55 per cent of China’s energy sources. Here in Europe, we have reduced emissions by 0.1 per cent, whilst China’s emissions account for 32 per cent. Let me get this straight: are we really prepared to destroy European industry for the sake of 0.1 per cent? So what we are calling for is serious reflection; that is why we are calling for the suspension of the ETS”, given the impact it has on many manufacturing sectors and on private individuals in general. These are the words of Confindustria’s president, Emanuele Orsini, speaking on the sidelines of the 41st Capri Conference of Young Entrepreneurs.

“I believe we need to do something, but above all we need to suspend it,” Orsini reiterated, speaking about the ETS. “And we can no longer continue with this row between the northern countries and the energy-consuming countries. Today, Europe really needs to act like Europe; a united Europe must respond to what is happening around the world.”

‘Let’s just say we’re pleased that the Government has stood by us in this battle. We know how hard President Meloni has fought – we were there in Brussels – to bring some relief to Italian businesses. It’s obvious that Europe, at the moment, is short-sighted. The President of the Republic said as much: no country can manage on its own. So when we say that no country can manage on its own, I believe we need to do even more regarding the ETS.»..

‘It stands to reason that I believe we now know it is right to keep spending under control; given that we are in the midst of an election campaign, it is important to take steps that will benefit the future and to devise a national economic strategy. So it is right to continue with hyper-depreciation and investment”. So said the head of the industrialists’ association, Emanuele Orsini.

“Given that there is a productivity issue, we need to encourage consolidation and seek to create more productive clusters with tax incentives,” continued Orsini, speaking about the business community’s proposals for the forthcoming budget. “We have also asked – given that we know the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) has contributed 0.5 per cent to GDP this year – to continue by drawing up a new plan capable of attracting investment from pension funds and private capital currently sitting in current accounts that are not being utilised. I believe these measures must be implemented, in addition to tax relief, and alongside efforts to ensure that our businesses can become more competitive.”