Quotes from the Opening Session EWEA 2012 Annual Event today in Copenhagen:

"Focusing on the role of wind power for our sustainable future makes good sense from both an environmental and an economic perspective." HRH Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark.

"The green agenda is both about job creation in the short run and climate protection in the long run." Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt.

According to reports, a joint initiative to reclassify nuclear power at EU level with a view to allowing direct state aid has been tabled by France, the UK, Poland and the Czech Republic (1). The Greens have hit out at the reported initiative and have called on EU governments in Council to reject the proposals. Commenting on the reports, Greens/EFA co-president Rebecca Harms stated:

"It is always easy to play the card of competency as a way to deny responsibility" said ALDE Leader Guy Verhofstadt commenting on today's statement from the European Commission regarding the letter sent to President Barroso criticising the decision of the Greek parliament to grant €29 million to the established political parties in advance of the election.

The Commission says that financing of elections is a national competence and that the Troika Memorandum of Understanding with Greece also contained no clauses on Greek party financing.

Are you seeking low risk investments which offer high returns, stimulates growth and creates local, long-term jobs for your national economy? Then look no further than energy efficiency in buildings and seize the opportunity to support strong provisions for buildings in the EU Energy Efficiency Directive.

Today ALDE Leader Guy Verhofstadt sent a letter to President Barroso criticising the decision of the Greek parliament yesterday to grant substantial cash payments to the established political parties in advance of the election expected on 6 May.