Brussels puts 30% energy savings target on the table for 2030

(EurActiv, 24 Aug 2014) The European Commission on Wednesday (23 July) proposed reducing the bloc's energy use by 30% by 2030, leaving it up to EU heads of states to decide whether or not to endorse the target at a forthcoming summit in October.

The EU executive has been considering new targets to replace the EU's existing 2020 goals to reduce its emissions of greenhouse gases, ramp up renewable energies and increase energy savings.

“I’m happy that the Commission unanimously agreed on a proposal for a 30% higher efficiency target,” said Günther Oettinger, the EU Commissioner responsible for energy policy.

The European Commission called the target "achievable" yet "ambitious", arguing in its communication that it “strikes the right balance between benefits and costs”.

Tensions between Europe and Russia since the downing of the Malaysia Airlines plane put the issue of energy security once more on the agenda of policy makers. Over the past few days, civil society as well as EU parliamentarians stressed that more energy efficiency will reduce Europe’s dependency on Russian gas.

External link

EurActiv, 24 Aug 2014: Brussels puts 30% energy savings target on the table for 2030