The job potential of a new sustainable economy

In 2010, unemployment in the EU reached an unprecedented level of around 10%.

As the economic crisis continued to unfold, that rate rose even higher.

At the same time, the EU is lagging behind in its efforts to combat climate change and to boost participation in the labour market.

The Greens therefore called on Parliament to draft a position on an employment strategy designed to tackle these problems.

For the Greens, ‘green jobs’ are all those that promote sustainable development by providing meaningful employment, strengthening social cohesion, reducing the environmental impact of economic activities and boosting the use of renewable energies.

Nearly all industrial and service sectors – not just high-tech companies – can potentially make their jobs greener.

However, the transformation required to achieve this would require long-term legal and financial incentives.

Measures to combat discrimination and promote gender equality would also be required.

The report, which was initiated by the Greens, was adopted by a large majority.

We also succeeded in mustering majority support for our key demands and rebuffing the EPP'S efforts to degrade the term 'green' to a mere 'political colour code'.