GSMA comment on the European Commission’s Clean Industrial Deal

The GSMA, on behalf of Europe’s telecoms industry, welcomes the European Commission’s introduction of a new Clean Industrial Deal which will support the prioritisation of growth and competitiveness across the continent.

The mobile industry has long been committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, with network operators adopting climate targets and promoting sustainability. Connectivity also helps other sectors reduce emissions.

The CID’s focus on the need for circularity and sustainable resource use aligns with the GSMA’s commitment to reducing environmental impact within the telecoms sector. Today, the GSMA has published a new report highlighting the benefits of circularity within the telecoms sector, underscoring how industry efforts can support the CID’s objectives.

GSMA members are already implementing initiatives that align with the CID’s goals, including efforts to extend device lifecycles, improve recyclability, and various solutions for optimising energy consumption. The industry’s commitments and ongoing work closely align with the Commission’s priorities.

To ensure the CID succeeds, the GSMA recommends that the Commission focuses on promoting competitiveness and green investments, streamlining sustainability reporting, incentivising circular economy principles, and supporting energy-efficient digital infrastructure.

The intentions of the CID are well founded and the GSMA looks forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to achieve these goals and contribute to a sustainable and competitive future for the European telecoms sector.