18 February, Brussels – The European Parliament and a variety of pressure groups have issued calls to the European Council and Commission that the Commission’s proposed 2030 energy and climate framework is insufficient to tap into huge potentials in Europe for sustainable growth.
The Commission’s proposal advocates a 40% cut in greenhouse gases and 27% renewable energy share, but no energy efficiency target. The final decision on the package rests in the hands of the Heads of State and Government of the European Council.
In Plenary, MEPs called the Commission’s package unambitious and short-sighted. The Parliament’s final resolution calls for three binding targets: a 30% target for renewable energy, 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and 40% improvement in energy efficiency.
The European Renewable Energy Council, were equally scathing. “After a heated internal debate on whether to propose a very unambitious or just an unambitious climate and energy framework for 2030, the Commission has chosen the latter”, said EREC’s President, Rainer Hinrichs-Rahlwes.
Energy Cities has written an open letter to the President of the European Council, calling for a strong 2030 energy efficiency target. Disappointed by the ‘lack of ambition’ in the European Commission’s proposal, the group of more than 1,000 towns and cities in 30 countries, argues for three binding targets. “It is an opportunity to translate EU climate and energy objectives into a multitude of actions at local level which would improve the quality of life of citizens and boost EU competitiveness,” notes the letter.
The European Council will meet on 20-21 March to discuss the climate package, before making their final decision in June. Click to see the EREC Press Release or the Open Letter from Energy Cities.