European Commission publishes green paper on energy policy
Sun 03 September 2006
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The European Commission has published a green paper on energy policy. The document sets out a vision for more coordinated EU decision making on energy while still retaining national control over energy questions.
According to a report in ENDS, the European Commission was praised for its sustainable energy ambitions but criticised for a lack of concrete measures to realise them.
Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso said: "The world is entering a new energy era. With a common, coherent energy policy, Europe can embrace this era with confidence."
Mr Barroso expressed his support for the principle that over half of EU energy should come from low-carbon sources by 2025.
European business generally welcomed the move towards stronger cooperation on energy policy because it should help to create a wider and more consistent backdrop to investment decisions.
The environment organisation WWF said that the green paper "lacks a long-term vision for a sustainable and efficient use of resources".
Environment groups shared concern that the green paper lacks binding targets and deadlines to drive energy efficiency and the use of renewables.
Related Links
European Commission green paper link
European Commission press release
UNICE (business association) press release
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