The over 50 signatories represent a range of sectors and companies. They advocate acceleration of pace and transition towards a net zero economy. Among the signatories, four members of the Dutch Sustainable Growth Coalition: DSM, FrieslandCampina, Philips and Unilever.

In the letter, they acknowledge the urgency of climate change and call upon the EU to lead the way. A clear commitment by European policy-makers is necessary to give investors and business the clarity and security to invest in the future of Europe and achieve our collective climate goals.

The Summit, attended by the 27 EU Leaders, is a crucial moment to secure further commitments from the EU and increase the ambition of the EU’s carbon reduction targets ahead of the European Elections.

Read the full letter here: 
“We at Royal DSM are stepping up to transform and future-proof our business by taking bold climate actions. We would urge European governments to do the same by setting foundations for a faster low-carbon transition in Europe.” - Feike Sijbesma, CEO DSM.

 “Philips is investing in the energy transition to make the world more sustainable and drive economic growth. All of Philips operations in the US and the Netherlands are already powered by renewable electricity, which covers more than half of our total electricity demand. The transition to climate neutrality requires strong commitment and collaboration between all relevant stakeholders.” - Frans van Houten, CEO Royal Philips

“Our strategy is to lead with sustainability. We are moving towards a carbon neutral 2050, focusing on circularity, using renewables from own green sources. Working across the supply chain is critical as is cooperation between public and private sector, no-one can resolve this in isolation!” - Hein Schumacher, CEO of FrieslandCampina

"Businesses have a responsibility to take action that will help address climate change, and many of us are already doing so. But we need to accelerate progress. A European strategy to deliver Net Zero Emissions by 2050 is essential to signal the direction and speed of travel that is necessary to achieve the 1.5-degree ambition set out in the Paris Agreement." - Alan Jope, CEO of Unilever