Calling on the European Parliament to reject elements of the Just Transition Directive
European employers and business representatives, including HOTREC, have issued a joint statement calling on the European Parliament to reject the most problematic provisions of its own-initiative report 2025/2131(INL) on a proposed “Just Transition Directive in the world of work”.
While supporting a fair and inclusive transition towards climate neutrality, employers stress that additional EU legislation risks increasing complexity and costs in an already heavily regulated policy area, without providing clear added value for workers or businesses.
The joint statement highlights three core concerns.
First, the main legislative framework for the green transition is already in place. A wide range of EU and national measures adopted under the European Green Deal, including the Fit for 55 package, already address social aspects of the transition through labour law, social dialogue, information and consultation rights, and active labour market policies. The priority should now be effective implementation and simplification where needed.
Second, managing the social impacts of the green transition is most effective at national level. Employment support measures such as reskilling, upskilling and income support fall primarily within Member State competence and should be designed in line with national and sectoral realities, with the EU playing a supportive, non-binding role.
Third, climate ambition must go hand in hand with competitiveness. Strong and competitive businesses are essential to sustain investment in new technologies, skills and quality jobs. Policies that undermine competitiveness ultimately risk weakening Europe’s social model.
For these reasons, European employers call on Members of the European Parliament to reject the most problematic provisions of the report ahead of the 19 January plenary vote.