Brussels, 24/07/2014 (Agence Europe) - The S&D, Greens/EFA and EPP Groups at the European Parliament feel that the target proposed by the Commission on 23 July of 30% energy savings by 2030, on top of the objectives proposed in January for the 2030 framework as a whole (a binding objective of 40% for reductions of greenhouse gas emissions and a target of at least 27% of the share of renewables), is greatly lacking in ambition.
On behalf of the Socialists and Democrats, Belgium's Kathleen Van Brempt lamented a “missed opportunity”. “The Commission is failing to take account of its own model, which showed that a 40% target could lead to 4% growth year, stimulate employment by 3.15% and massively reduce imports of fossil fuels, up to €500 billion a year”, she commented, also speaking out against the solely indicative nature of the target. “If the EU really wants to be serious about reinforcing its energy security in light of events on its eastern borders, it has no choice but to prioritise energy efficiency. It is extremely disappointing that the Commission has not listened to the Parliament, which argued for a 40% target in February”, added Romania's Dan Nica.
The Greens/EFA spoke out against what they describe as political manipulation. “What the Commission has proposed lacks ambition and will prolong the EU's dependency on its imports”, said the Luxembourg MEP Claude Turmes. The non-binding 30% energy savings target for 2030 “at odds” with the findings of an unpublished Commission impact assessment, which stated that targets of 35% and 40% would help to double GDP and create 1.4 million new jobs.
Over at the EPP, Germany's Pieter Liese also regretted the lack of ambition of the target put forward, which “falls below the well-justified target proposed by the Parliament”. However, Liese welcomed a “step in the right direction and good starting point for further talks”. “In order to reach 30%, we will certainly need political instruments to support energy efficiency in the years to come. This proposal can still be improved in talks between the member states and the Parliament”, he continued. “There is no more economically efficient way of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the consumption of fossil fuels than through energy efficiency. Nuclear power, renewable energy and carbon capture and storage technologies are far more expensive”, Liese concluded. (EH)