MEPs today voted again in favour of ambitious climate and energy policy by supporting three binding 2030 targets for renewables, greenhouse gas reductions and energy efficiency in plenary.

"The European Parliament has again shown it is the most forward-thinking of the institutions. It has resisted lobbying from backward-looking organisations and voted on the basis of facts, namely that an ambitious renewables target can provide 570,000 more jobs, EUR500 billion in fossil fuel import savings, and lower energy costs for energy intensive industries", said Stephane Bourgeois from the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA).

"This enlightened result is a kick in the teeth for the European Commission and its bloodless 2030 proposal published last month", he pointed out. "Heads of State must pay heed to the MEPs and agree an ambitious mandate including a renewables target of at least 30% binding at national level in March."

MEPs adopted the report by 341 to 263 votes. The positive plenary vote follows the positive energy and industry, and environment committee votes in January.
 

Ministers and CEOs will debate 2030 climate and energy policy at the EWEA 2014 Annual Event in Barcelona from 10-13 March. Press registration is open: www.ewea.org/annual2014

For more information:

Sarah Azau, EWEA

sarah.azau@ewea.org

Tel: +32 2 213 18 38