On Tuesday, the European Commission presented the goals which Europe needs to achieve in terms of energy savings by 2020. The Commission proposals are heavily inspired by the Report on energy efficiency authored by Bendt Bendtsen MEP, which the European Parliament adopted in December.

"Energy savings is the most cost efficient way of reducing CO2 emissions, but there is also a huge growth potential in energy technology investments. In 2007, the EU imported energy worth more than €300 bn. But we could create 2 million new, local jobs in Europe which would not just be outsourced to China. Many of the new jobs will be in small and medium-sized enterprises", said Bendt Bendtsen.

"Energy savings in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is also an important part of the process, but since their energy bills are typically relatively small, it is relevant to consider binding measures for the energy providers. This could have a positive impact on the energy efficiency of SMEs. However, such measures need to go hand in hand with education and information about support schemes, and administrative burdens need to be eased", said Bendt Bendtsen.

"Buildings will be a central element in the energy savings effort. Buildings account for 40% of our energy consumption and have a huge savings potential. It is possible to double the current degree of renovation and renewal of public buildings, so the public sector has a major role to play when it comes to creating a market for energy-friendly buildings renovations and linked products. If structural problems are eliminated and public decision-makers set longer-term goals, Europe can net a very large profit", said the European Parliament's energy efficiency Rapporteur.

For further information:
Bendt BENDTSEN MEP, Tel: +33-3-88175125
Peter Adler, EPP Group Press & Communications Service, Tel: +32-474-203005

Notes to Editors:
The EPP Group is by far the largest political group in the European Parliament with 265 Members.