EU climate and energy policy

"2030 is the next crucial milestone for EU climate and energy policy and it is important that we ensure ambitious and coherent targets for greenhouse gas reductions, renewables and energy savings. The EU should not repeat the mistake made with the lack of ambition in its 2020 greenhouse gas reduction target, as this has undermined the effectiveness of overall climate policy and left key instruments like the emissions trading scheme teetering on the brink. The threat of a rapidly changing climate to our wellbeing, natural resources and food supplies is too serious for Europe to continue its business-as-usual path. We therefore need an ambitious, binding 2030 greenhouse gas reduction target.

Green energy spokesperson and EP draftsperson on EU legislation on renewable energy and energy efficiency Claude Turmes added:

"The 2020 binding renewable energy target has proved a major success in promoting the uptake of renewables and stimulating growth in the sector. Building on the success of the EU's 2020 renewable energy target, the Greens believe the EU should adopt an ambitious and binding 2030 target for renewable energy aiming at a 45% share. This would provide much-needed investor certainty and, combined with the right policies on the internal energy market, well-designed individual support schemes and the necessary infrastructure, will ensure we can move towards the goal of 100% renewable energy by 2050.