Ahead of the Energy Council next Monday, Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament call on member states to show ambition for such a crucial directive for the future of Europe and its transition to a low-carbon and resource-saving economy.

 

 

 

“We are in the final stage of negotiations on the Energy Efficiency Directive. The European Parliament has already showed flexibility and willingness to find compromise on this important energy legislation. At the moment we need to find an agreement on the overall target and on the key article 7, which states that EU countries should set up energy efficiency obligation schemes. According this article, energy companies should achieve yearly energy savings of 1.5% of annual sales to final consumers. Both elements are equally important to achieve success in practice, and should not be played out against each other.

 

“The European Parliament called for a binding 35% target on energy efficiency. Some member states are supporting or very close to that ambition. The Dutch Parliament has adopted a resolution which supports 33% target on renewable energy resources and 33% on energy efficiency. Other member states are also showing willingness to increase the level of overall ambition on energy efficiency. The European Parliament welcomes this progress on the side of some member states and encourages them to take a stand in the upcoming European Council meeting."

 

 

 

“We need an ambitious energy efficiency directive for the post-2020 period. The European Parliament expects that the Council will show more responsibility at this moment, and will endorse a higher target and stronger article 7. It will be key that large member states, especially Germany but also France, back up their strong and welcomed words on climate change with concrete commitments and actions when it matters. Next Monday is when it matters!

 

"The European Union needs to do more to meet the SDGs and climate change commitments adopted in the UN Paris summit. Implementing a sustainable energy union is key to achieving those goals. The first step to take is setting high energy efficiency standards, which is also the best way to help households and businesses cut their energy bills."