Crunch time as EU decides on clean energy laws

Posted on November, 27 2017

Wind and solar are ready to rev up. Yet EU Member States are about to slam on the brakes.
The European Parliament and Energy Ministers are currently finalising their respective positions on the Clean Energy Package - eight legislative proposals that will guide energy policy all across Europe for the next decade. They must step up and strengthen the proposals if Europe is serious about tackling climate change and making European policies work for people.

Listen to an audio recording of the press briefing held by NGOs today.


Wendel Trio of Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe said: “EU lawmakers need to vote for much stronger energy targets or we will blow our chances of meeting the Paris Agreement goals. We expect a sharp reality check on the weak proposal from the European Commission. The European Parliament is likely to support higher energy targets - we hope that governments will match the Parliament’s ambition and follow suit.”

Alex Mason of WWF European Policy Office said: “Wind and solar are ready to rev up. Yet EU Member States are about to do the opposite, slamming on the brakes by supporting low, non-binding targets and undermining any kind of rules that would boost investor confidence. There is more ambition in the EU Parliament, and we urge progressive MEPs to hold firm, and support higher and enforceable targets.”

Clémence Hutin of Friends of the Earth Europe said: “The energy transition depends on serious progress on efficiency. The European Parliament has backed an ambitious 40% target four times in the past, which could halve EU emissions and brings multiple social and environmental benefits. It’s time to deliver!”

Contact:
Sarah Azau, 
Senior Communications Officer, WWF European Policy Office
sazau@wwf.eu
Tel: +32 473 57 31 37

Notes:
Calendar of the Clean Energy Package negotiations:
Revision of Renewable Energy Directive
European Parliament Environment Committee: 11.10.2017 (advisory role and co-decision on bio-energy)
Energy Committee: 28.11.2017
Plenary: Q1 2018
Council of Ministers Energy Council: 18.12.2017
Revision of Energy Efficiency Directive
European Parliament Environment Committee: 07.09.2017 (advisory role)
Energy Committee: 28.11.2017
Plenary: Q1 2018
Council of Ministers Energy Council: 26.06.2017
Governance of the Energy Union Regulation
European Parliament Environment & Energy Committees: 7.12.2017
Plenary: Q1 2018ci
Council of Ministers Energy Council: 18.12.2017
Electricity Market Design Initiative
European Parliament Environment Committee: 20.11.2017 (advisory role)
Energy Committee: early 2018
Plenary: Q1 2018
Council of Ministers Energy Council: 18.12.2017