Following lengthy negotiations, the S&D Group in the European Parliament secured cross-party support for a binding target of 35% share of energy coming from renewable sources by 2030. The S&D author of the parliamentary report, José Blanco MEP, succeeded in uniting the Parliament behind a strong shift-up from the 27% proposed by the European Commission.
 
José Blanco MEP said:
 
“The industry and energy committee in the European Parliament just sent a strong message by setting a binding target of 35% of renewable energy across the EU: Europe needs to do more; it needs more ambition for renewable energy if it wants to fulfil its Paris commitments, to fight climate change and to lead the energy transition.
 
“The industry and energy committee, backed by a large majority, want to raise the EU binding target from 27% to 35%. It also wants to reinforce self-consumption as a right, to bring security and certainty to investors, to raise the ambition for de-carbonising the transport sector, as well as the heating and cooling sectors.
 
“With these goals, we will not only advance in the transition towards a de-carbonised economy but we will also strengthen our energy security and our economy, also creating highly-qualified jobs.”
 
S&D spokesperson on energy, Dan Nica MEP, said:
 
“The Commission was too timid in its proposal, and these times require more vision. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has calculated that the EU can double its renewables share from 17% in 2015 to 34% in 2030. It could be even more if we improve our energy efficiency. We should also take into account the continued improvement of these technologies and the spectacular cost reductions in solar panels and offshore wind.
 
“It will also bring social and health benefits. Not only due to a cleaner environment, but also improving housing conditions and fighting energy poverty: member states are compelled to ensure renewable energy communities can be accessible to all consumers, including those on low-incomes or in vulnerable households, or those living in social or rented housing.
 
“In terms of jobs, the renewable sector already employs about 1.2 million people in Europe, and this figure will undoubtedly grow if we double our renewable share by 2030.”

MEPs involved
Head of delegation
Coordinator
Romania