Crunch time as EU decides on clean energy laws

The European Parliament and Energy Ministers are currently finalising their respective positions on the Clean Energy Package – eight legislative proposals that will guide energy policy all across Europe for the next decade. They must step up and strengthen the proposals if Europe is serious about tackling climate change and making European policies work for people.

An audio recording of the press briefing held by NGOs today is available here: https://wwf.webex.com/wwf/ldr.php?RCID=84538844e35dee7f59ab5c9fc28b0835

Wendel Trio of Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe said: “EU lawmakers need to vote for much stronger energy targets or we will blow our chances of meeting the Paris Agreement goals. We expect a sharp reality check on the weak proposal from the European Commission. The European Parliament is likely to support higher energy targets – we hope that governments will match the Parliament’s ambition and follow suit.”

Alex Mason of WWF European Policy Office said: “Wind and solar are ready to rev up. Yet EU Member States are about to do the opposite, slamming on the brakes by supporting low, non-binding targets and undermining any kind of rules that would boost investor confidence. There is more ambition in the EU Parliament, and we urge progressive MEPs to hold firm, and support higher and enforceable targets.”

Clémence Hutin of Friends of the Earth Europe said: “The energy transition depends on serious progress on efficiency. The European Parliament has backed an ambitious 40% target four times in the past, which could halve EU emissions and brings multiple social and environmental benefits. It’s time to deliver!”

ENDS

For more information please contact: Ania Drazkiewicz, CAN Europe, ania@caneurope.org, 00 32 494 52 57 38

Notes:

Calendar of the Clean Energy Package negotiations:

Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe is Europe’s largest coalition working on climate and energy issues. With over 140 member organisations in more than 30 European countries – representing over 44 million citizens – CAN Europe works to prevent dangerous climate change and promote sustainable climate and energy policy in Europe.