In its resolution adopted yesterday by 341 votes to 263, the European Parliament calls on the Commission and EU countries, to set a 2030 EU target to reduce domestic greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% from 1990 levels. It also wants an energy efficiency target of 40%, in line with research on the cost-effective potential, and a commitment to producing at least 30% of total final energy consumption from renewable energy sources.
These targets should be binding, MEPs say, and implemented through individual national targets, taking account of each member state’s situation and potential.
“The price of energy seriously affects companies, industry and, more specifically, our citizens. If we want to reduce our energy imports we have to produce more in Europe, by making better and more efficient use of our resources,” said the co-rapporteur for the environment committee, Anne Delvaux (EPP, BE). “If we have a broad energy mix with greater energy efficiency, this is the best option to reduce to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to encourage new technologies and innovation, create jobs, and change our economies into greener economies. This is why we need three binding objectives,” she added.
The non-binding resolution follows up the Commission’s March green paper which triggered a debate on a 2030 framework for climate and energy policies after the current policy framework runs out in 2020. The Commission tabled proposals on 22 January setting less ambitious targets, which were met with skepticism from MEPs, who express their deep concern about some of the proposals. For MEPs, the Commission communication is short-sighted and unambitious on a number of levels, specifically as regards the lack of national targets for renewable energy and of any meaningful new action to incentivise energy efficiency, they say.
