A thousand cities back 2030 energy efficiency target

(EurActiv, 18 Feb 2014) An alliance representing more than a thousand European cities wrote to Herman Van Rompuy, the president of the European Council, (on 17 February) calling for binding 2030 targets of 40% for energy efficiency, and 30% for renewable energy, in line with a European Parliament proposal.

The European Commission has adopted a milder climate package , setting the scene for a potential clash of EU pillars .

The president of the Energy Cities group, which authored the written protest, said that making efficiency a “key priority” could create jobs, send a signal to investors and more.

“I personally sense a great deal of disillusionment among my citizens towards European politics,” Eckart Würzner, who is also the Mayor of Heidelberg told EurActiv. “An ambitious EU climate and energy policy that tackled economic growth, fuel poverty and quality of life issues would ultimately contribute to restoring trust in European institutions.”

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EurActiv, 18 Feb 2014: A thousand cities back 2030 energy efficiency target