Europe risks damaging its industrial sector and losing jobs if it continues with aggressive climate policies without adequately considering economic impacts, Czech Environment Minister Igor Červený stated in an interview. Červený emphasized the need for a "win-win" approach that supports both environmental protection and economic vitality.
During his first visit to the United Nations, where he addressed the U.N. High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, Červený told Fox News Digital that companies are increasingly relocating production outside of Europe to avoid stringent regulations. He specifically pointed to the automotive sector as facing significant pressure.
"If you look at the market at this moment, mostly in European countries, there is a very bad situation," Červený said. "We see many companies leave our territory and leave for China or another place in the world." He warned that without these companies, European governments would face a loss of tax revenue and employment.
Červený indicated that resistance to the current EU climate strategy is growing beyond the Czech Republic, with similar concerns being voiced in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Germany, and some Scandinavian countries. The Czech Republic has been among those advocating for Brussels to ease certain aspects of the European Green Deal, including proposals to delay new carbon markets for buildings and transport and to revise emissions-trading rules that Prague argues are increasing energy costs and diminishing industrial competitiveness.
This perspective contrasts with the European Union's stated commitment to its climate goals. European Commissioner for Environment Jessika Roswall, speaking at the same U.N. forum, affirmed the bloc's dedication to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. She highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by conflict, inequality, and the "triple planetary crisis" of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, calling for accelerated climate action and increased investment in renewable energy and low-carbon technologies.
Červený suggested that the support of figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump, whose administration pursued a less regulatory approach, has strengthened the position of European politicians advocating for a more balanced strategy. He noted that the United States can serve as a stronger partner for smaller countries like the Czech Republic in discussions within Brussels.
He stressed that Europe does not need to abandon sustainability but should pursue it incrementally and in collaboration with its industries to avoid economic repercussions. "We have to change the course," he stated, "because we don’t want to lose our industry, our economy, our benefits for society and the environment as well."