The European Commission proposed today a wide-ranging energy package which gives a new boost to energy security in Europe, supporting the 20-20-20 climate change proposals which should be agreed by December.
A press release issued Thursday by the EC says that the Commission puts forward a new strategy to build up energy solidarity among member states and a new policy on energy networks to stimulate investment in more efficient, low-carbon energy networks.
The Commission, it adds, proposes a new EU Energy Security and Solidarity Action Plan which sets out five areas where more action is needed to secure sustainable energy supplies.
The Commission also looks at the challenges that Europe will face between 2020 and 2050, as it mentions.
In addition, a package of energy efficiency proposals aims to make energy savings in key areas, such as reinforcing energy efficiency legislation on buildings and energy-using products, and enhancing the role of energy performance certificates as well as inspection reports for heating and air-conditioning systems, the press release continues.
Presenting the Commission's second Strategic Energy Review package, President Jose Manuel Barroso said: ''Energy prices have risen by an average of 15% in the European Union in the last year. 54% of Europe's energy is imported at a cost of 700 euro for every EU citizen.
We have to address this urgently, by taking measures to increase our energy efficiency and reduce our dependence on imports. We have to invest and diversify”.
“The proposals adopted today represent an unequivocal statement of the Commission's desire to guarantee secure and sustainable energy supplies, and should help us deliver on the crucial 20-20-20 climate change targets'', he added.
Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs highlighted the opportunities for new investment, cost savings and jobs: ''The EU has come together as never before to deal with climate change, high energy prices and energy security. But we have to do more, be more ambitious, and be even bolder to avoid the risk of energy disruption in the future.
This means investment. Investing in energy, including energy efficiency, means giving our economy the push it needs at this uncertain time,” as he said.
