Sigmar Gabriel Advocates "New Deal" of the Economy, Environment and Employment

Federal Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel called for a new ‘ecological industrial policy’ on 30 October 2006 in Berlin, which would serve to better position Germany and Europe in the global economy. On the occasion of the opening of the innovation conference, Sigmar Gabriel said: "The markets of the future are green markets. Environmental technologies ‘made in Germany’ open up new markets and lead to new products and new jobs. Only if we actively pursue an ecological industrial policy strategy will we be able to meet the challenges of the 21st century with regard to climate policy and environmental policy." In a memorandum on "ecological industrial policy" Sigmar Gabriel advocates a "New Deal" of the economy, environment and employment. This should also involve the consideration of new institutional structures. Sigmar Gabriel explained: "The establishment of an Industrial Cabinet would force key ministries to coordinate their policies. This intensifies the political impetus and is the prerequisite for a concerted strategy."

The pivotal issue during the innovation conference was the question of how Germany can reach a better position in international competition in fields like energy production, efficiency technologies, mobility and life science. The approximately 400 participants from industry, the scientific sector and politics discussed how the economic potential of these lead markets can be fully tapped – to the benefit of the economy, the environment and employment. Federal Environment Minister Gabriel said: "We have to react resolutely to the new problems and rediscover the idea of technological progress. Innovation-oriented environmental policy offers a double dividend for the environment and the economy. This is what we want to achieve and what will benefit us all." According to Sigmar Gabriel, this also goes along with considerable economic opportunities for those that are present on global markets as technology leaders.