Stakeholders urge EU institutions to support the “Third Industrial Revolution”

Brussels, 1 February 2011 (for immediate release) – The Environment Committee of the European Parliament, chaired by Jo Leinen MEP, and representatives of the five major political groups in the EP joined today with Europe’s main associations representing small and medium-sized companies (UEAPME), consumers’ interests (BEUC), cooperatives (Cooperatives Europe) and the Foundation on Economic Trends in a call for a “Third Industrial Revolution” ahead of the European Council’s summit devoted to energy.

The European Parliament will forward a declaration to Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, and José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, requesting a comprehensive legislative plan with adequate means to implement the “Third Industrial Revolution” energy strategy across Member States.

The European associations, which participated at the “Alternative Energy Summit” that took place in Brussels today, represent the vast majority of businesses as well as the most representative consumer organisations in Europe.

“Co-operative enterprises are an off-spring of the first industrial revolution. By empowering their members through economic participation and a democratic business control system they contribute towards building a more equitable and people-centred economy. The third industrial revolution is in line with these basic principles, which aims to create a more resilient and sustainable energy market for all citizens of Europe. Everyone can and should benefit from these new technologies by actively participating in their co-creation, co-production and co-diffusion”, said Klaus Niederländer, Director of Cooperatives Europe, the European association of co-operative enterprises.