EU green revolution 'must include low earners' 

Sepi, a former trade union leader in Italy, believes "particular solutions must be devised for people with low incomes," specifying certain targeted direct benefits, such as climate vouchers for the purchase of solar-energy equipment and public transport season tickets. 

In order for the "green revolution" to succeed, the EU will need to adopt a bottom-up as well a top-down approach, claims the EESC boss, notably through "enhancing cooperation with civil society and local authorities" in order to work with the industrial sectors concerned to establish specific targets and timeframes. 

Civil society groups and local authorities will play a central role in winning over both public opinion and lawmakers to the necessity of a greener way of life, Sepi says.

"A major effort can be done at the local level, where civil society organisations are able to promote a new environmental model where participation and shared behaviours towards the environment should contribute to a process of awareness raising in favour of the principles of sustainability," he said. 

Sepi believes the EESC – a strictly consultative EU body - is the best-placed institution to engage with citizens in winning "vital" public acceptance for the big potential changes ahead.

Many of these changes will be difficult, particularly the necessity of changing people's habits to lead more eco-efficient lives. Green policies will only succeed if they are accompanied by a revolutionary new model of consumption, the EESC president believes. 

Taxation could be one element of this. The EESC proposes that EU-wide finance mechanisms - including in the field of tax - should be examined, including the possibility of introducing a carbon tax. 

Finally, the EESC president cautions against the risk of reverse-protectionism on this issue, warning that countries with weaker eco-sectors may not be able or willing to invest and commit themselves enough in the green economy. 

"That is why the EU should also act in view of increasing and stimulating the exchange of good practises among countries in the green sector," argues Sepi, adding that "precautions also need to be taken to make sure that competition between member states in the common market is geared towards innovation and is neither counter-productive nor detrimental to social cohesion and environmental sustainability".

Mario Sepi was speaking to EurActiv's Olof Gill. 

To read the full interview, please click here.