The publication of the Green Deal, which was referred to as the central development strategy or plan by the European Commission, has already identified the directions for the EU's approach to the growth and competitiveness of the EU and national economies.

Following the onset of the pandemic and in awareness of the need to address its consequences in restoring the European economy, the Green Deal must play an important role in planning the recovery of the European economy and the Recovery Plan. Sustainable investments to kick-start the economy, the circular economy, and digitisation will play an important role in this respect. It is therefore necessary to give impetus to sustainable investments that will contribute to the competitiveness of the economy at the EU and global levels, while also reducing emissions and tackling the consequences of climate change.

More than ever, EU Member States must strive for solidarity and cooperation in finding a way out of the pandemic and ensuring the recovery of the economy, as well as in seeking synergies and bridges related to the environment, sustainable development and climate change. The European Recovery Plan is therefore a good opportunity to integrate the Green Deal’s sustainable measures for new jobs and revive the EU economy and sustainable development in the most cost-effective manner. Among other things, the goal of climate neutrality by 2050, endorsed last year by numerous heads of state and government, must remain our long-term guiding principle if we want to ensure a predictable and stable environment for planning investments and the recovery of the economy. 

In addition to Slovenia, the initiative was supported by Austria, Slovakia, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Germany, France, Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Greece, Ireland and Malta.