The MEPs strongly criticised the 2030 environmental goals set by the European Commission, saying that the recent proposals as short-sighted and unambitious.
On 5 February,the MEPs called for binding 2030 environmental goalsfor CO2 emissions, renewables and energy efficiency. Parliament adopted a resolution, with small majority (341 votes in favour to 263, with 26 abstentions) to set a 2030 EU target to reduce domestic greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 per cent from 1990 levels. The resolution also proposes an energy efficiency target of 40 per cent, in line with research on the cost-effective potential, and a commitment to producing at least 30 per cent of total final energy consumption from renewable energy sources.
Anne Delvaux (EPP, BE), stressed the need for the Commission to understand that it has to do more in order to lower the energy prices in the internal market. Ms. Delvaux said, “the price of energy seriously affects companies, industry and, more specifically, our citizens. If we want to reduce our energy imports we have to produce more in Europe, by making better and more efficient use of our resources…If we have a broad energy mix with greater energy efficiency, this is the best option to reduce to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to encourage new technologies and innovation, create jobs, and change our economies into greener economies. This is why we need three binding objectives,” she stressed.
On the other hand, co-rapporteur Konrad Szymański (ECR, PL),from the industry committee withdrew his name from the report that was adopted saying that the 2030 environmental goals must not be binding and stricter environmental goals will reduce the competitiveness of the European industry. “Adopting these objectives before the 2015 Paris talks is a mistake,” he said.
On 22 January, the Committee of Regions also said thatCommission’s 2030 environmental goals as well as the energy plans proposed lack ambition and overlook local government.