Brussels, 21 October: The European Movement calls on the European Council to set ambitious targets as it meets on Thursday and Friday to decide on the 2030 climate and energy policy framework.

The Movement believes that a binding energy efficiency target of 40% – reflecting demands by the European Parliament, civil society as well as European companies keen to invest and innovate in energy efficiency – would not only confirm Europe’s leading role in climate protection, but would also help boost jobs and growth, as well as energy import savings throughout Europe.

Achieving energy efficiency will require joint action from all European Member States, and should be coupled with:

• binding national targets for the 40% greenhouse gas reduction target; and

• raising the proposed minimum target of 27% for the share of renewable energy – which would anyway be reached as a consequence of the 40% emissions reduction target.

More ambitious and binding energy targets will have a direct impact on Europe’s economy through higher investments in the renewables industry and growth of those companies providing energy saving goods and services, and will increase Europe’s international competitiveness and industrial leadership. Further benefits include lower energy bills for consumers and increased energy security through a reduction of natural gas imports, not to mention greater environmental protection.

Jo Leinen MEP, President of the European Movement International stated that “An agreement on a global deal for climate protection at the United Nations conference in Paris in December 2015 would be facilitated, if the European Council presents a credible commitment of the EU for a low-carbon economy with substantial reductions of CO2 emissions till 2030.”

Notes to the Editors

1. The European Movement International (EMI) is one of the largest pan and pro-European civil society organisations with currently more than 70 Member Organisations, bringing together representatives from European associations, political parties, enterprises and trade unions. www.europeanmovement.eu

Media Contact
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