Kathleen Van Brempt, on behalf of the S&D Group. – Madam President, I would like to thank the Commissioner for his statement on the state of play on the Energy Union. I think it is always interesting to take some time for that, and in my time today I just want to convey one message. I want you to pay a lot of attention to the strong message this Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy gave yesterday. We had a very important vote on two very important files. There was a clear majority, supported by nearly all Groups in the House, to raise the level of ambition on the deployment of renewable energy in our Union to a target of 35% by 2030 –that is 80% above the target in the Commission’s proposal.

Our high level of ambition on renewables takes fully into account the recent spectacular cost reduction in solar panels and offshore wind. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has calculated that the EU can double its renewables share from 17% to 35% in 2030 in a cost-neutral way. If we accelerate our energy efficiency policies renewables can even deliver a higher share of remaining energy demands. This was also voted for yesterday with a less broad majority, a smaller majority. We voted for a 40% target on energy efficiency.

I would like to ask the Commission to pick the side of Parliament because up until now the Commission has come up with too weak proposals because of the situation in the Council. Now we have the opportunity, dear Commissioner, to take up full responsibility and ambition and take the side of Parliament.