BRUSSELS – The European Commission has proposed allowing increased levels of state aid so that Europe can compete with the United States as a manufacturing hub for electric vehicles and other green products, and reduce its dependence on China.
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday announced, as part of the plan, a repurposing of existing EU funds, faster approval for green projects and drives to boost skills and to seal trade agreements to secure supplies of critical raw materials.
This is partly a response to multibillion-dollar support programmes of China and the US, including the latter’s Inflation Reduction Act.
“Major economies are rightly stepping up investment in net-zero industries,” Dr von der Leyen told a news conference.
“What we are looking at is that we have a global playing field.”
Many EU leaders are also concerned that the local content requirements of the US$369 billion (S$482 billion) of green subsidies in the US legislation will encourage companies to relocate, making the US a leader in green tech at Europe’s expense.
This story is from the February 03, 2023 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 03, 2023 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
BTS' agency files legal complaint against Ador CEO Min Hee-jin
The South Korean agency behind K-pop sensation BTS filed a legal complaint on April 25 against its powerhouse subsidiary's head for allegedly orchestrating a plan to break away from the parent company.
Hamilton lives up to hype
The title character’s ambition and flaws are deftly portrayed in the award-winning musical
Two-door fan buys first four-door to go with fatherhood
Food tech founder and new father Alan Phua trades his BMW 2-series Coupe for a 5-series saloon
Audi Q4 e-tron proves small can be more
The compact electric sport utility vehicle is a refined and spacious five-seater despite being not much bigger than the Q3
MAX’S MAXIMUM TUNE-UP
S’porean adds I more title in preparations for the defence of his world c’ship crown
EPL still a three-horse race, insists Guardiola
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes it is still a three-horse race in the English Premier League, despite his team being in the driver's seat after their 4-0 thrashing of Brighton & Hove Albion on April 25.
National Training Centre move pays off for Samuel
Gymnast Samuel Loh is now reaping the rewards after conquering his fears by joining the National Training Centre (NTC) in 2023.
EMBIID HAS BELL'S PALSY, BUT DROPS 50
He confirms the diagnosis after helping the Sixers cut the Knicks’ play-off lead to 2-1
Singapore factory output falls 9.2% in March
Drop is biggest in 7 months and far sharper than analysts’ forecast
Satellite communications provider Viasat to push further into Asia
Region is fastest-growing market in this area; Singapore will play key role in company’s plans