Latest news
January 2008
On 23 January 2008 the European
Commission put forth an integrated proposal for Climate
Action.
This includes a directive that sets an
overall binding target for the European Union of 20%
renewable energy by 2020 and a 10% minimum target for the
market share of biofuels by 2020, to be observed by all
Member States.
Read more…
November 2007
Towards a low carbon future
European Commission proposes a plan to accelerate energy
technologies for a low-carbon future
Technology
is vital in reaching all our energy and climate change
policy objectives: to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% and ensure 20% of
renewable energy sources in the EU energy mix; to reduce
EU primary energy use by 20% by 2020. We
need to accelerate the development and deployment of
cost-effective low carbon technologies.
We need to lower the cost of clean energy and put
EU industry at the forefront of the rapidly growing low
carbon technology sector. In the longer term, if we are
to decarbonise our economy, new generations of
technologies have to be developed through breakthrough
in research.
The
transition to a low carbon economy will take decades and
touch every sector of the economy, but we cannot afford
to delay action. Decisions taken over the next 10-15
years will have profound consequences for energy
security, for climate change, for growth and jobs in
Europe.
Read more…
September 2007
The EU Electricity & Gas
markets: third legislative package
Electricity and gas are
the lifeblood of our day to day lives and our
economy. By opening up the European energy markets
to competition – a process which started 10 years
ago – Europe’s citizens have been able to benefit
from more choice and more competition to keep prices
down, even in times of spiralling global energy
prices.
The 3rd package of measures adopted by the Commission
in this respect will finalise this process and ensure that
all European citizens can take advantage of the numerous
benefits provided by a truly competitive energy market.
Read more…
Public consultations
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The Commission has launched
a public consultation on Biofuel issues in the
new legislation on the promotion of renewable energy
The public consultation is open until
4 June 2007
Read more… |
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The Commission has launched
a broad public consultation on advancing the
use of market-based instruments for environment and
energy related policy purposes in the Community
The public consultation is
open until 31 July 2007
Read more… |
EUROBAROMETER Survey
Europeans support greater EU
action on energy and climate change. The
overwhelming majority of EU citizens are concerned about
climate change. Europeans are well aware of the impact
of energy production and consumption on climate change
and global warming, while a majority feel that the best
way to tackle energy-related issues would be at EU level.
Press release (IP/07/280)
European agreement on a new energy
policy
The
2007 Spring European Council demonstrated that the EU is
taking the lead in the fight against global warming. EU
heads of state and government adopted an energy policy
for Europe which doesn’t simply aim to boost
competitiveness and secure energy supply, but also
aspires to save energy and promote climate-friendly
energy sources.
EU leaders set a firm target of cutting 20% of the EUs
greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 – the EU will be
willing to put this goal up to 30% if the US, China and
India make similar commitments. EU leaders also set a
binding overall goal of 20% for renewable energy sources
by 2020, compared to the present 6,5%.
A binding minimum target of 10% for the share of
biofuels in overall transport petrol and diesel
consumption by 2020 was also set.
"We can say to the
rest of the world – Europe is taking the lead. You
should join us in fighting climate change", declared
European Commission President José Barroso on the
occasion.
More
information:
European Council
An Energy Policy for Europe – the need
for action
Proposed EU Energy Policy – Targets
and Objectives
Download
the leaflet
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Reducing greenhouse gas
emissions from developed countries by 30% by
2020
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Improving energy
efficiency by 20% by 2020
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Raising the share of
renewable energy to 20% by 2020
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Increasing the level of
biofuels in transport fuel to 10% by 2020 |
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Energy for a Changing World
An energy policy for Europe: Commission
steps up to the energy challenges of the 21st
Century
Find more
Documents
Documents by sector
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