Interview

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How can we ensure inclusivity in green transition policies?

  • Colin Scicluna

    Colin Scicluna

    Head of Cabinet for the Vice-President of the European Commission for Democracy and Demography

18 June 2024

In this interview, Colin Scicluna discusses the challenges of inclusiveness in the ecological transition.

Since the beginning of this ecological transition, we have been committed to a just transition. We are making funds available to disadvantaged communities so that they can follow the necessary changes. These more remote communities will be impacted in very different ways. In urban areas, with good public transport services, people can easily live car-free, whereas in rural areas it’s much more difficult.

That’s why we need to adopt an approach that takes into account the different needs of communities, without making unreasonable demands. We have already incorporated this approach into several strategies to meet real needs.

Technology can also help, although electric vehicles are still out of reach for many. But prices are coming down and new alternatives are emerging, such as the growing market for used electric cars. All this points to a favorable direction. We’re still at an early stage of the transition, so it’s natural that there are concerns. We need to make sure that our investments take real needs into account.