Launch event of the MEP Group on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development
Wednesday 23rd April 2025, 15:00 – 17:00
Committee of the Regions (Room JDE51)
Co-hosted by MEP Tsiodras (EPP), MEP González Casares (S&D),
and MEP Katainen (Renew)
The newly-established MEP Group on ‘Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Sustainable Development’ is pleased to host a high-level event on “Competitiveness and the future of the European Green Deal”. As Europe navigates the twin challenges of ensuring economic prosperity and sustainable development, this event will bring together EU policymakers, representatives from industry and civil society, as well as research and academia, to explore how the EU can drive innovation and sustainability, alongside strengthening competitiveness. This timely exchange will address critical questions on maintaining Europe’s clean industrial leadership, while transforming the EU into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy, that ensures prosperity within planetary boundaries. Through an engaging debate, policymakers and stakeholders will share insights on the opportunities and challenges ahead, reinforcing the need for ambitious policies, that balance economic needs with environmental and climate responsibility.
Agenda
15:00 – 15:15: Welcome coffee
15:15 – 15:40: Opening remarks by:
- Ilias Grampas, Deputy Director, EBCD
- MEP Dimitris Tsiodras (EPP, Greece)
- MEP Elsi Katainen (Renew Europe, Finland)
- MEP Nicolas González Casares (S&D, Spain)
- Claire Colleran Mollow, Member of the ENVE Commission, European Commission of the Regions (CoR)
15:40 – 16:00: Keynote speeches by the European Commission:
- Aurel Ciobanu-Dordea, Director for ‘Competitive Circular Economy & Clean Industrial Policy (Dir.B), DG ENV, European Commission
- Stefano Soro, Head of Unit on ‘Net-Zero Industries, Sustainable and Circular Products’ (I.3), DG GROW, European Commission
16:00 – 16:20: Reactions by more speakers – 4’ per person:
- Vadim Kononenko, EU Interinstitutional Relations and Strategic Foresight Expert, European Environment Agency (EEA)
- Oliver Loebel, Secretary General, EurEau
- Marco Eikelenboom, President, Cepi
- Nathalie Gamain, Secretary General, European Pet Organization (EPO)
- Melanie Muro, Head of Programme CAP & Food, IEEP
16:20 – 16:55: Q&A session with the audience
16:55 – 17:00: Closing remarks by:
- MEP Dimitris Tsiodras (EPP, Greece)
- MEP Elsi Katainen (Renew Europe, Finland)
- MEP Nicolas González Casares (S&D, Spain)
