On Tuesday, April 9, the European Commission presented its fourth report on the Energy Union. In glowing terms, the Commission states that this package of measures, with the "Clean energy for all Europeans" package (also known as the Winter Package) of late 2016 as the biggest component, is a great success.
By European standards, a two-year negotiation period in such sensitive dossiers is indeed quite an achievement. The 2030 ambitions for renewable energy, reduction of CO2 emissions and energy efficiency have been revised upwards, so that - if these goals are actually achieved - the EU will abide by the Paris Agreement. There will also be substantial funding for research and innovation, including a boost to European battery production and improvement of energy infrastructure. Good news, then, just before the European elections at the end of May.
The question is whether all these directives actually lead to a reduction in CO2 emissions. After all, setting ambitions alone will not make them a reality. Their implementation lies largely on the shoulders of the member states, with some, including the Netherlands, still lagging behind in achieving national targets. Much will therefore depend on the outcome of the EP elections, and the extent to which the new European Commission translates these ambitions into reality.
All the news about the European elections and the new European Commission's energy ambitions can be followed via our EU Monitor. Trial subscription? Contact anne@publiekezaken.eu
