EU policy framework for climate and energy (2020 to 2030)

The European Commission proposes a framework for EU climate and energy policies in the period from 2020 to 2030 which builds on the good progress made towards achieving the 2020 targets for greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy and energy savings. At the heart of the 2030 framework is a 40 % reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

ACT

Communication of the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament: A policy framework for climate and energy in the period from 2020 to 2030 [COM(2014) 15 final/2 of 28.1.2014 - not published in the Official Journal].

SUMMARY

This communication highlights the need for the EU to transition towards a low-carbon economy building on the substantial progress already made to achieve the Union's 2020 targets for greenhouse gas emissions reduction, renewable energy and energy savings.

Following a stakeholder consultation on the basis of a Green Paper published in March 2013, the communication reaffirms the importance of pursuing a low-carbon economy which ensures competitiveness and affordable energy for consumers, creates growth and jobs and increases security of energy supplies, while reducing energy import dependence.

The Commission proposes that the 2030 climate and energy framework should be based on full implementation of the 2020 targets and the following:

• A 40 % reduction below the 1990 level in EU greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, to be achieved through domestic measures alone. The measures include a combination of 43 % emission reductions compared to 2005 in the Emissions Trading System (ETS) and national actions by Member States to cut emissions by 30 % from sectors outside the ETS.
• Increasing the share of energy from renewable sources consumed in the EU to at least 27 %, binding at the EU level but not at national levels so as to give Member States flexibility to meet their targets in the most cost-effective manner.
• A reform of the ETS, through creation of a new market stability reserve as well as a tightening of the annual cap on emissions after 2020. A legislative proposal to establish the reserve was published alongside this communication.
• Further improved energy efficiency, essential to competitiveness, security of energy supply, and sustainability. A review of the 2012 energy efficiency directive later in 2014 will help establish the future energy saving policy.
• A new European governance system for the delivery of energy and climate objectives. Member States would have to draw up national plans for competitive, secure and sustainable energy. The plans will be reviewed and assessed by the Commission.
• Key indicators to monitor progress on all aspects of competitiveness, security and sustainable energy.

The Council and European Parliament are invited to endorse the proposal. A decision by the Council is expected by October 2014. The communication is part of a wider package including a legal proposal for reform of the ETS, competitiveness, shale gas, and energy prices and costs.

RELATED ACTS

Proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and the Council concerning the establishment and operation of a market stability reserve for the Union greenhouse gas emission trading scheme and amending Directive 2003/87/EC. [COM(2014) 20/2 of 22.1.2014].

Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency [Official Journal L 315 of 14.11.2012].

Directive 2009/28/EC on renewable energy sources [Official Journal L 140 of 5.6.2009]

Directive 2009/29/EC amending Directive 2003/87/EC so as to improve and extend the greenhouse gas emission allowance trading scheme of the Community (Revised ETS Directive) [Official Journal L 140 of 5.6.2009].

Decision No 406/2009/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the effort of Member States to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to meet the Community’s greenhouse gas emission reduction commitments up to 2020 [Official Journal L 140, 05/06/2009].

Energy Roadmap 2050 [COM(2011) 885 final of 15.12.2011].

Roadmap for moving to a competitive low-carbon economy in 2050 [COM(2011) 112 final of 8.3.2011]

Council Directive 2013/18/EU of 13 May 2013 adapting Directive 2009/28/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources, by reason of the accession of the Republic of Croatia [Official Journal L 158 of 10.6.2013].

last update 08.06.2014