Wednesday will most probably see the final round of EU negotiations on a proposed law to reduce the EU’s energy use (the so called EU Energy Efficiency Directive). A good result would pave the way for lower energy bills, more efficient homes and businesses, new jobs in Europe, and fewer climate change causing greenhouse gas emissions.
A protracted back and forth between a reasonable position from the European Parliament and an unreasonable one from the Council of the EU, with the ring being held by the European Commission, has been a perfect illustration of the saying: “There are two things in the world you never want to let people see how you make ’em: laws and sausages” (Leo McGarry – The West Wing… oh, and also Otto Von Bismark)
While it may be slim, we must still hold onto the hope that the Parliament (Led by Green Party Rapporteur Claude Turmes) will prevail. WWF will continue to work hard over the next three days to convince all involved to include our key asks in the final text:
- A legally binding target on all EU countries to achieve their share of a 20% reduction in Europe’s primary energy consumption by 2020, with a clear trajectory.
- A requirement on all EU Governments to renovate their buildings in order to cut energy use by at least 75% ( = ‘deep’ renovation) and to develop long term strategies to cut energy use in all buildings by 2050.
- An obligation on energy retail and distribution companies to achieve ongoing annual energy savings equal to at least 1.5% of their sales, through schemes which could also create a stable source of revenues to finance energy efficiency investment in homes.
So please join us by making a strong final call to national and EU policy makers to lead the way towards an Energy Efficiency Directive that is strong enough to be a vital tool to boost Europe’s sustainable economy and put it a strong path out of the crisis.
See below for social media resources you can use in your member state:
@xx Dear minister, Save Energy, Save Money. @wwfeu asks you to lead the way #EED http://tinyurl.com/c372g6w #
Short version: Dear Minister, It is your last chance to lead the way! Support a strong EU Energy Efficiency Directive. Save Energy. Save Money.
Long version: Dear Minister, Wednesday will most probably see the final round of EU negotiations on a proposed EU Energy Efficiency Directive. A good result would pave the way for lower energy bills, more efficient homes and businesses, new jobs in Europe, and fewer climate change causing greenhouse gas emissions. It is your last chance to lead the way! Support a strong EED. Save Energy. Save Money.
The link to the cartoon: http://tinyurl.com/c372g6w