Tobias Goldschmidt takes a deep breath: "I am pleased about the initiative from Brussels, because Europe can only remain competitive if we invest in climate-neutral technologies in time and sufficiently. It is therefore particularly important to no longer focus only on the production of climate-friendly energy, but above all to focus on an increase in manufacturing capacities for energy production plants in Europe. Here, Germany and Europe have fallen behind the competition from Asia. We need to catch up, all the more urgently against the background of the increasing supply chain problems. Previous policies have proven to be too short-sighted and endanger the competitiveness of our industry. European state aid law in particular is a very tight corset. This is because companies want and need to rebuild their processes quickly and thus invest in their own competitiveness. As an energy-producing state, Schleswig-Holstein can benefit from the EU Commission's plans, both in terms of strengthening the companies already present in the state and with a view to attracting new companies."

Interesting, Minister Goldschmidt is well informed. I'll get straight to the point: "In Schleswig-Holstein we've already made great progress with the energy transition. However, the problem of the lack of skilled workers could slow us down a bit. Do you think the measures for qualifications in the Green Deal Plan are sufficient?"

Tobias Goldschmidt: "I think it is important and welcome that the EU's Green Deal Industrial Plan addresses the very diverse challenges in parallel. Simplifying the regulatory environment, improving access to finance, creating resilient supply chains and also enhancing competences must go hand in hand. In the field of education, this is mainly about developing new skills at all levels - at universities as well as in the craft sector. The projects in Brussels set a good framework. The challenges at the state level are nevertheless considerable." 

Schleswig-Holstein also has advantages in this respect. Not least the high quality of life. I would like to know one more thing: "Keyword 'electricity market design'. Will you participate in the 'Climate Neutral Electricity System Platform' that Federal Minister Habeck just launched?"