Commenting on the European Commission’s communication on Energy 2020, Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, President of the PES, stated that: “Commission Oettinger posed the question today whether the EU was currently well prepared to meet the coming challenges on energy. His answer was no. Unfortunately, today’s communication of the European Commission ‘Energy 2020’ fails to make real progress on the main challenges. There is no real commitment on the core issues of reducing energy use, increasing the supply of renewable energy and upgrading energy grids. Instead of addressing the needs of energy consumers, such as rising energy prices, the Commission mainly prioritizes the interests of energy companies. This is a charter for traditional energy use.”

Linda McAvan, chairperson of the PES Environment and Climate Change network added: “Particularly disappointing is the absence of any pledge in the Communication to step up the share of renewable energy. Studies show that by 2050 we could reach the target of 100% renewable energy, if the right measures are put in place. Neither the European Commission, nor the Conservative governments in Europe seem to be ready to step up ambition for renewables and to make real progress. The use of fossil fuel causes environmental and health costs. This must be reflected in their prices. Renewable energy prices must be brought down by smart regulations, such as feed-in-tariffs and additional subsidies.”

During the PES Environment and Climate Change Network today, members of the European and national parliaments as well as NGO representatives outlined their main demands for the European Commission’s energy vision for 2050, to be expected in the next months. They agreed on the aim to phase out the lion’s share of non-renewable energy until 2050.

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For further information please contact Brian Synnott on +32 474 98 96 75 (brian.synnott@pes.org)