New plans of the European Commission in energy efficiency and transfer to low-carbon economy
Position of BUSINESSEUROPE
On 8 March the European Commission published its new plans under the Resource Efficiency Flagship – Energy Efficiency Plan and Roadmap for transforming the European Union into a competitive low carbon economy by 2050.
European Energy Efficiency Plan
Energy efficiency is a key tool for strengthening Europe´s competitiveness and reduction of energy dependence while decreasing the level of emissions. Realization of proposed measures should improve EU´s industrial competitiveness with a potential for the creation of up to 2 million jobs and reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases by 740 million tons anually.
To meet its objective of 20 % energy savings by 2020, the EU needs a decisive and coordinated action on energy efficiency. The Plan paves the way for the longer term policies needed to achieve a decarbonised and resource-efficient economy by 2050 and to place the EU at the forefront of innovation.
The Commission will monitor the implementation of the Plan and will report on progress in spring 2013. If it shows that the overall EU target is unlikely to be achieved, the Commission will propose legally binding targets for 2020.
European Energy Efficiency Plan [pdf 116 kB]
Roadmap for transforming the European Union into a competitive low carbon economy by 2050
The Roadmap describes the cost-effective pathway to reach the EU's objective of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 80-95 % of 1990 levels by 2050. Based on the cost-effectiveness analysis undertaken, the Roadmap gives direction to sectoral policies, national and regional low-carbon strategies and long-term investments. According to European Commissioner for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard the EU needs to start working now on long-term strategies, and the Roadmap provides guidance on how this transition can be achieved in the most cost-effective way.
The Roadmap provides a clear and predictable framework for business and govenrments to prepare their low-carbon strategies and long-term investments. The low carbon economy can be built by further developing proven technologies that exist already today, we don't need to wait for technological breakthroughs. In this transition, all economic sectors need to contribute, including agriculture, construction and transport.
The European Commission has also taken the initiative because leading the global transition to a low carbon and resource-efficient economy will have multiple benefits for the EU.
Roadmap for transforming the European Union into a competitive low carbon economy by 2050 [pdf 66 kB]
Position of BUSINESSEUROPE on both the initiatives
Marta Blízková
International Organisations and EU Affairs
