A reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
by 40% below the 1990 level, an EU-wide binding target for renewable
energy of at least 27%, renewed ambitions for energy efficiency
policies, a new governance system and a set of new indicators to ensure a
competitive and secure energy system. These are the pillars of the new
EU framework on climate and energy for 2030 presented today by the
European Commission.
Supported by a detailed analysis on energy prices and costs, the 2030 framework will ensure regulatory certainty
for investors and a coordinated approach among Member States, leading
to the development of new technologies. The framework aims
to drive continued progress towards a low-carbon economy and a
competitive and secure energy system that ensures affordable energy for
all consumers, increases the security of the EU’s energy supplies,
reduces our dependence on energy imports and creates new opportunities
for growth and jobs, by taking into account potential price impacts on the longer term.
The
Communication setting out the 2030 framework will be debated at the
highest level, in particular in the European Council and European
Parliament. It is accompanied by a legislative proposal for a market
stability reserve for the EU emissions trading system (EU ETS) starting
in 2021, to improve its robustness. A report on energy prices and costs
in Europe, published alongside the Communication, suggests
that the rising energy prices can be partly mitigated by ensuring cost
effective energy and climate policies, competitive energy markets and
improved energy efficiency.
European Commission President José Manuel Barroso said: "Climate
action is central for the future of our planet, while a truly European
energy policy is key for our competitiveness. Today's package proves
that tackling the two issues simultaneously is not contradictory, but
mutually reinforcing. It is in the EU's interest to build a job-rich
economy that is less dependent on imported energy through increased
efficiency and greater reliance on domestically produced clean energy.
An ambitious 40% greenhouse reduction target for 2030 is the most
cost-effective milestone in our path towards a low-carbon economy. And
the renewables target of at least 27% is an important signal: to give
stability to investors, boost green jobs and support our security of
supply".
Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger said: "The 2030 framework is the EU's drive for progress towards a competitive low-carbon economy, investment stability and security of energy supply. My
aim is to make sure that energy remains affordable for households and
companies. The 2030 framework sets a high level of ambition for action
against climate change, but it also recognises that this needs to be
achieved at least cost. The internal energy market provides the basis
to achieve this goal and I will continue to work on its completion in
order to use its full potential. This includes the 'Europeanisation' of
renewable energy policies".
Connie Hedegaard, Commissioner for Climate Action, said: “In
spite of all those arguing that nothing ambitious would come out of the
Commission today, we did it. A 40% emissions reduction is the most
cost-effective target for the EU and it takes account of our global
responsibility. And of course Europe must continue its strong focus on
renewables. That is why it matters that the Commission is proposing
today a binding EU-level target. The details of the framework will now
have to be agreed, but the direction for Europe has been set. If all
other regions were equally ambitious about tackling climate change, the
world would be in significantly better shape.”
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