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Welcome to the "Energy for a Changing World" website of the Directorate-General for Energy and Transport

Energy for a Changing World

A European energy policy must pursue the objective of a sustainable, competitive and secure supply of energy.
In January 2007, the European Commission adopted new proposals for an ambitious energy policy for Europe.

Latest news
Documents
Documents by sector
Audiovisual material
Citizen corner
Energy consumers rights

 


Find out full information on the European Commission "Energy for a Changing World" proposal

 


Agathe Power is the website (available in 22 languages) of the energy consumers rights campaign

 


The EU’s contribution to shaping a future global climate change regime

 

Energy sector inquiry

 

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

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…
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)

ATTITUDES ON ISSUES RELATED TO EU ENERGY POLICY

Flash Eurobarometer reports, reference 206a (report and slides presentation)

Note


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 EU’s 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

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from developed countries by 30% by 2020

Improving energy efficiency by 20% by 2020

Raising the share of renewable energy to 20% by 2020

Increasing the level of biofuels in transport fuel to 10% by 2020


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  

 

 

Action Plan for Energy Efficiency
Realising the Potential

   


A European Strategy for Sustainable, Competitive and Secure Energy

 


European Commission Internet Broadcasts on energy efficiency and renewable energies

 

 

 

Sustainable Energy Europe 2005-2008

A European Campaign to raise awareness and change the lanscape of energy

 

Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     
 

 

 

last update: 23-01-2008