Call for 'more action' on  EU energy action plan

A report to go to parliament is highly critical of the commission and member states for 'not doing more' to hit EU targets on energy efficiency.

The report, by UK ALDE member Fiona Hall, berates the “lack of real action taken despite the rhetoric from the commission and member states alike”.

Her report on the EU action plan for energy efficiency will be debated by parliament’s mini-plenary in Brussels on Wednesday and voted upon on Thursday.

The debate and vote is timely as it coincides with a week-long series of events marking EU sustainable energy week.

The MEP's report highlights the alleged failure of the commission to take on the extra staff agreed to be necessary to fulfil the plan and the “failure” of national governments to implement earlier energy efficiency legislation.

Hall says many countries have been late in implementing the energy performance of buildings directive (EPBD).

“Current research suggests we have as little as eight years to prevent chaotic climate change. Energy efficiency is the quickest and most cost-effective way to reduce global carbon emissions,” she said.

“But the EU has to do more than just publish an energy efficiency action plan. There must be urgent practical implementation of that plan, both at a European level and nationally.

“There is a lot of rhetoric about climate change from the commission and member states and energy efficiency is one of the easiest ways to make a difference.”

Hall, the Liberal Democrat spokesperson on energy, is also calling for the EPBD to be implemented in all new buildings (requiring heating or cooling) or buildings being renovated.

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