2030 climate and energy policy framework

19.11.2014

Question for written answer E-009470-14
to the Commission
Rule 130
Hugues Bayet (S&D)

The European Council adopted conclusions on a 2030 climate and energy policy framework at its meeting of 23 and 24 October 2014. Three targets are set as part of that framework, namely:

• —a binding target of an EU-wide reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of at least 40% by 2030;
• —a target of a share of at least 27% for renewable energy in overall EU energy consumption by 2030;
• —an indicative target of an improvement of at least 27% in energy efficiency by 2030, which will be reviewed by 2020 with a view to raising it to 30%.

On this last point, Parliament had stressed the need for a binding target of 40%. The European Council's figure falls far short of that.

In its conclusions, the European Council instructed the Commission to propose priority sectors in which significant EU-wide energy-efficiency gains can be achieved, as well of ways of doing so.

1. Can the Commission say whether, in view of the key role it can play in improving energy efficiency and revitalising the economy, the construction industry will be one of the priority sectors?

2. In connection with this, can the Commission provide a timetable for the work on revising the directive on the energy performance of buildings?