structural development

The “Net-Zero Valley Lausitz” project, for which District Administrator Dr. Meyer, together with representatives of municipalities, business and districts in Brussels, is a joint project of the Saxon-Brandenburg region of Lusatia.

"In Brussels we had good discussions with representatives of the European Commission and MEPs strengthen our initiative to establish Lausitz as the first Net Zero Valley in Europe Dr. Stephan Meyer after his one-day visit Brussels this week. “This is intended to make our homeland more attractive for investment in the future.”

The " Net-Zero Industry Act " as part of the European Union's " Green Deal Industrial Plan " is intended, among other things, to stimulate investments in clean technologies and offer less bureaucracy and faster approval procedures - concerns that the municipalities in Lusatia, which are severely affected by the coal phase-out, have long been raising with the federal government and warn countries.

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection also supports this application . As a region in the process of transformation, Lusatia is already striving to become well-planned and well-implemented structural development In addition to the district administrators, Dr. Stephan Meyer , Udo Witschas (Bautzen district), and Harald Altekrüger (Spree-Neiße district), the mayor of the city of Cottbus, Tobias Schick , Christiane Herntier , mayor of Spremberg and other representatives of local politics and business took part.

The favorable starting position in Lusatia and the Lausitz Round's to the Net Zero application received widespread attention in Brussels in March 2024 and led to EU Commissioner Thierry Breton's visit to Black Pump . Commissioner Breton then pledged his support for the application as a “green valley model region”. “During his visit, Commissioner Breton pledged support for our application to become the first Net Zero Valley. Now it’s important to stick with it and further expand the network that has been created here in cooperation with the regional economy,” emphasizes Fred Mahro, mayor of the city of Guben and deputy spokesman for the Lausitzrunde.

The Lausitz Round delegation and their contacts in Brussels 

Last week, the Lusatian delegation traveled to Brussels to have state representatives of Saxony and Brandenburg Now, together with business and the state governments, further concrete measures to accelerate procedures and modernize administration as well as considerations about the technologies to be used should be initiated.

The basis for the application is the new EU law “ Net Zero Industry Act” , which is intended to create favorable structures for the clean tech market . As a model region, Lausitz would like to benefit from these conditions. The unity of the region and the support of business and politics are crucial.

The districts of Brandenburg and Saxony offer to participate intensively and talk to experts about timetables and goals.

Please feel free to contact us with your questions and/or ideas!

Photos: Dr. Stephen Meyer