Brussels, 28/03/2013 (Agence Europe) - As soon as it was published, the European Commission's Green Paper, launching debate on a 2030 framework for climate and energy policies, caused instant reaction (see EUROPE 10816), and the ink will continue to flow as the parties interested have until 2 July to express their points of view.
Although the S&D Group at the European Parliament generally welcomes the content of the document, it has warned that it will be pushing for binding objectives to be introduced when the legislative proposals expected by the end of the year are examined by Parliament.
Linda McAvan, the spokesperson for the group on environmental issues, said: “We call for a comprehensive binding package with a greenhouse gas emission target, a renewable energy target and especially a binding energy efficiency target. It is proven that only binding objectives work. Once they have been set then we would be able to allow member states flexibility in meeting them”.
At member state level, Delphine Batho, the French minister for ecology, sustainable development and energy, welcomes the publication of the Green Paper and especially the discussion proposed regarding the objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40%. A press release published on 27 March by the relevant Ministry points out that France is in favour of ambitious European objectives: -40% in 2030 and -60% in 2040, and that this level of ambition is necessary to meet the challenge of global warming, deploy essential technological investment and ensure that the European Union remains at the forefront of environmental transition.
The Heat Coalition, which brings together 11 European associations with a stake in the heating and cooling sector, deplores the fact that the Green Paper neglects the future role of the sector that accounts for no less than 45% of final energy consumption in Europe today (compared to 20% for electricity, and 26% for transport). It calls for a comprehensive European approach for the sector (including improved statistics and data collection) in order to promote innovative solutions in terms of renewable energies and energy efficiency throughout the energy supply chain. (AN/transl.jl)