Withdrawal of renewable energy incentives
31.3.2015
Question for written answer E-005381-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Lara Comi (PPE)
The EU's aim for 20% of its energy to be produced from renewable sources by the year 2020 seems far away at the moment. According to recent estimates, after an initial strong positive trend, the installed power will be subject to stable growth. Because there is growth, the policies implemented by individual countries are fundamental. These are, in particular, to grant incentives for the installation of new equipment, offer discounted rates and create funds for technological innovation in the sector.
However, the decision by many European countries to cut subsidies granted to the renewable energy sector appears to be in open contrast with the EU guidelines and acts as a barrier to achieving the target for 2020.
This should appear even more troubling in light of the fact that the non-EU competitors continue to invest a great deal in renewable energy and now occupy the top positions of the Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index. Without incentive policies, the delay compared to other major economies is likely to increase and become unrecoverable.
In these circumstances, could the Commission answer the following questions:
- 1.Does it consider the energy policies of the Member States to be compatible with the EU's objectives for 2020?
- 2.What is its assessment of the EU reaching its target for 20% of its energy to be produced from renewable sources by 2020?