The Committee on Industry, Research, and Energy (ITRE) is responsible for shaping the European Parliament’s policy towards energy, industry, research, new technologies, defence and space.
As chair of this committee, my focus will be on the energy transition, industrial innovation and ensuring the competitiveness of the European economy on the global stage. This will require a balance between bold modernisation and stability, aiming for Europe not just to keep up with global changes, but to lead them.
The energy transition will require industrial decarbonisation and improved energy efficiency, while fully acknowledging the challenges faced by countries with a high share of coal in their energy mix, such as Poland. These nations should receive financial and technological support, enabling them to gradually transition to renewable energy sources while maintaining economic and social stability, which is crucial for the cohesion of the EU.
Maintaining competitiveness is also vital: The climate transition must not undermine member states' economies, which would result in production shifting outside the EU. ITRE’s priority will be to balance climate protection with industrial needs, with support frameworks tailored to the specific circumstances of each country.
Cybersecurity is also important in the energy sector. Given the increasing digitalisation of energy infrastructure, ITRE is focused on enhancing the protection of energy systems against cyber threats, which is crucial for the stability of energy supply.
The committee will also foster the development of space technologies, which support the energy sector, as well as the promotion of carbon storage technologies as a tool for emissions reduction.
Europe's future depends on the ability to swiftly respond to challenges and to make bold decisions. As chair of ITRE, I will strive to create fact-based and dialogue-driven policies that ensure stability and predictability.
ITRE must be a platform where the diverse needs of member states are acknowledged, and where solutions are developed to address the challenges of the 21st century. This is the kind of leadership that gives Europe confidence that it will keep pace with global changes and play a global leadership role.