Brussels, 26/03/2013 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission will be setting its course on the subject of climate and energy on Wednesday 27 March, with the adoption of a Green Paper on climate and energy policy by Horizon 2030.
To date, there have been the objectives set out in the climate/energy package of Horizon 2020 (20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, 20% energy efficiency and 20% of total energy consumption provided by renewable energy). There have been the objectives for Horizon 2050 for a low carbon economy (with a reduction of 80-95% of greenhouse gas emissions, and the 2030 scenario only being mentioned as an indicative target on that trajectory). It is now Horizon 2030 that is of more interest to the Commission.
The Green Paper that the College of Commissioners is expected to adopt aims to launch debate on the post-2020 period with all parties interested, on the basis of the two roadmaps for Horizon 2050. It will take stock of encouraging progress accomplished in achieving the objectives of the climate/energy package (the famous three times 20), but should also highlight the need to create a more integrated political framework for Horizon 2030. Parties interested will be invited to identify the possible margins of improvement for objectives, the other policy instruments, competitiveness and the ability of different member states to take action. The Green Paper will be accompanied by a report on progress accomplished in the renewable energies sector and by a consultative communication on the future of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in the EU. (AN/transl.jl)