Brussels, 28/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - With just a few days to go until the Environment (3 March) and Energy Council (4 March), at which the integrated framework for energy and climate policies for the period up to 2030 is due to be discussed, Matthias Groote MEP (S&D, Germany), the chairman of the EP's environment committee urged the Greek presidency of the Council to support an ambitious vision for these two policies, on the same basis as the one formulated by the European Parliament on 5 February (see EUROPE 11012). He expressed concern about the proposals put on the table for a new framework for governing the energy system that are supposed to guarantee a competitive, safe and sustainable energy policy, based on plans to be adopted by member states and European Commission guidelines that sideline Parliament (see EUROPE 11002).
In a letter sent to the Greek presidency of the Council on Friday, 28 February, Mathias Groote underlined Parliament's position supporting three binding targets: 40% for reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels; at least 30% of total energy consumption being made up by renewables and 40% energy efficiency. MEPs believe that it is necessary for member states to implement these targets.
In the letter, Mathias Groote stated that, “Parliament believes that the only effective way to implement the three targets is by means of individual national targets that take into account the individual situation and potential of each member state”. He warned that, “this is the moment for farsighted choices that can put out Union on a path of sustainable development, growth and energy security, as well as strengthen its leadership role on the world stage, in tackling climate change”.
Demographic deficit. From an institutional point of view, the chairman of the environment committee said that there were, “deep concerns of the parliament as regards the current proposals for a new governance structure for the 2030 framework” that would prevent Parliament from having the opportunity to express its point of view and exercising democratic control. He added that, “Parliament is strongly opposed to any weakening of the climate and energy governance: the existing legislation must be fully implemented and 2030 framework has to be based on the co-decision process between the parliament and the Council”.
Anne Delvaux (S&D Belgium), co-rapporteur on this dossier at the EP environment committee repeatedly criticised the fact that, “the biggest absent of the Commission's communication is the energy efficiency!” She reiterated the criticism made on the previous day at the environment and energy ministers' meetings and urged the Council to, “define, as cornerstones of the 2030 climate and energy framework, a structurally reformed ETS and a strong energy efficiency target!” (AN)