The EC’s Green Paper “A 2030 framework for climate and energy policies” finally out

On 27 March 2013, the European Commission adopted a Green Paper on “A 2030 framework for climate and energy policies”. This document launches a public consultation lasting until 2 July, allowing Member States, other EU institutions and stakeholders to express their views; for example on the type, nature and level of potential climate and energy targets for 2030, but also on other important aspects of EU energy policy in a 2030 perspective. Those views will feed into the Commission’s on-going preparations for more concrete proposals for the 2030 framework which will be tabled by the end of 2013.Commission’s on-going preparations for more concrete proposals for the 2030 framework which will be tabled by the end of 2013.

The initial reaction has been come fast and furious.   For example, the Coalition for Energy Savings stated that “  The  European Commission has overlooked the importance of an energy savings target in a green paper that launches a public consultation on a 2030 framework for climate and energy policy. The green paper instead focuses on a ‘quick fix’ approach that would fail to deliver the structural changes that the EU needs to boost competitiveness and manage spiking energy prices.”  EREC, the European Renewable Energy Council, said “the Green Paper represented “the long-term thinking needed from the EU” to meet its 2050 decarbonisation commitments while stabilising consumer prices.”

Importantly, this is a consultation that lets all Europeans voice their views.  The consultation will continue until July 2^nd.  Those interested should go to DG ENERGY’s webpage on the consultation.  The report can be downloaded here.

Now is your chance to give your views.