23 March 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Today's launch of The European Climate Adaptation Platform (CLIMATE- ADAPT), potentially opens a new era in EU Adaptation policies. This platform marks a continuation of the process which began in 2009 with the EU's White paper on Adaptation. Of the four key areas of focus from the White Paper, this tool is the first to be fleshed out. (1)

The platform will be an essential tool for information sharing and resource exchange on adaptive measures and projects. "This is an important and timely first step, which should lead to EU policy measures on Adaptation. There is a gap of decisive policy action on climate adaptation in Europe. This shortcoming is especially more glaring given how much has been done in the area of mitigation and emissions reductions. In protecting society and people from the impacts of climate change both areas must be given equal attention." Stated Karim Harris Deputy Director CAN-Europe.

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13 March 2012

MEDIA ADVISORY

Tomorrow discussions will be held that may put the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) on dangerous footing. Following the European Parliament ITRE Committee vote on the EED on 28th February, Member States must agree on a Council negotiating mandate for discussions with Parliament. To this end, Coreper will hold a discussion tomorrow (14 March) and another next Wednesday (21 March) with the aim of agreeing this mandate.

A Coreper working document (circulated to Coreper by the Danish Presidency) from March 8 has left NGOs very concerned. It paves the way for a Council position so confused and diluted it will make constructive discussions with the Parliament almost impossible. 

Key NGO concerns include: 

Overall targets: Not only are Member States refusing to consider binding national targets, as recommended by the ITRE committee, they are seeking to open up the definition of the long-standing EU 20% overall energy efficiency target. 

Article 6 - cumulative yearly savings of 1.5% per year via obligations on energy companies: The Commission calls this article the “centerpiece” of the Directive, as it is expected to deliver up to 1/3 of the energy savings potential of the EED. Member States are seeking to use slick accounting tricks to reduce the amount of energy that is covered by this provision, including by counting ‘early actions’ (i.e., measures that have already been carried out), excluding ETS industries and counting all savings that will be achieved over the lifetime of a measure during the first year it is implemented.

If these provisions are included in the EED, it would be gutted of much of its potential, putting the EU on a course farther and farther away from its long-term decarbonisation goals.

If you’d like to discuss these issues further please don’t hesitate to contact Erica (at) caneurope.org or Vanessa (at) caneurope.org

09 March 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[Brussels, March 9, 2012] – Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe was appalled to see the obstructionist tactics used by Poland ahead of today’s meeting of Environment Ministers. While Poland seems intent on skirting its climate responsibilities, other EU countries were ready to support increased climate ambition by 2020 and to approve milestones for a cost effective emissions reductions pathway by 2050. 

The outcome of today’s Environment Council shows the EU is failing to fix the floundering carbon market [1], to grasp the benefits of increased climate ambition and to respond to the progress made in the international climate negotiations.

“Poland has once again shown its true colours as a progress blocker,” said Wendel Trio, Director of CAN Europe. “Poland has further isolated itself from the rest of the EU, and its own citizens, who support more climate efforts. Ultimately, Poland may end up missing out on access to European funds to support low-carbon investments.” 

Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe is calling on the Danish Presidency and EU Heads of State to raise this issue at the next EU Summit and take the necessary measures to increase Europe's climate ambition and bring Poland in line. 

Editors’ Notes:

Environment Council conclusions can be found here. 

[1] In the second half of 2011, the carbon price lost 50% of its value. 

CAN Europe is recognized as Europe's leading network working on climate and energy issues. With over 150 members in 27 European countries, CAN-E unites to work to prevent dangerous climate change and promote sustainable energy and environment policy in Europe.

 CAN-E MEDIA ADVISORY - Poland holds EU climate ambition hostage

28 February 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[Brussels, February 28, 2012] – Today the European Parliament's Industry, Trade and Research Committee (ITRE) voted in support of a binding 20% energy savings target as part of the ongoing Energy Efficiency Directive discussions. Green groups CAN Europe and EEB urge national governments to support the MEPs' vision for binding national targets, energy company obligations and deep building renovations.

"Today's result is not perfect, but it gives MEPs a strong mandate for negotiating with national governments," commented Erica Hope, Senior Policy Officer at CAN Europe. "Strong measures and targets will help deliver the needed savings to people and businesses."

The Commission's Energy Roadmap 2050 [1] underlines how Europe's key objectives of decarbonisation, energy security and competitiveness cannot be achieved without curbing our energy demand.

"This Directive is a key opportunity to depart from the current situation in which utility companies have a structural interest in selling ever more energy," said Agathe Ernoult, EEB's Energy Policy Officer. "Changing this business model is the only way to address the increasing financial and environmental costs of producing energy. We urge decision makers to live up to the challenge," Ernoult continued.

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