QAZAQ GREEN.  Europe's transition to a low-carbon economy will require more than additional investment. Faster permitting, stronger infrastructure and predictable regulation are equally essential, according to participants at a Euractiv policy discussion sponsored by Amazon.

Lucy Cronin, Amazon's Vice President for EU Public Policy, noted that Europe faces an €800 billion annual investment gap, citing estimates by Mario Draghi. Closing this gap is critical for strengthening competitiveness while advancing decarbonisation.

Cronin argued that climate action and economic growth can reinforce each other, pointing to Amazon's investments in renewable energy, transport electrification, charging infrastructure and sustainable packaging. According to Frontier Economics, the company has invested €17 billion in European firms developing low-carbon technologies.

Speakers agreed that clean technologies will become more affordable only through wider deployment. Long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) were highlighted as an important mechanism for creating stable demand and encouraging private investment.

Panelists identified slow permitting procedures, insufficient grid capacity and limited charging infrastructure among the main barriers to Europe's energy transition. Daimler Truck's Manfred Schuckert said lengthy permitting processes continue to delay the deployment of clean technologies.

The discussion also emphasized that regulatory simplification should not undermine policy stability. Participants stressed that investors need clear, predictable rules and long-term certainty to finance Europe's decarbonisation and accelerate the deployment of clean technologies.