On 15 June, European energy ministers met at the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council to discuss current energy issues During the meeting, they failed to adopt the conclusions on the Energy Roadmap 2050, although 26 Members States did support the Presidency on the Energy Roadmap 2050, recognising that a substantially higher share of renewable energy beyond 2020, including in 2030, is a core element of Europe’s future energy system. One Member State, however, did not back this view: Poland.
“26 Member States are ready to provide a sign of confidence for the European industry, trade and research community towards 2050, but Poland tried to prevent this from happening, thereby impeding investors. Europe must recognise the need for a binding 2030 renewable energy target”, stated Josche Muth, Secretary General of the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC).
“Poland is doing a great job of co-hosting the Euro 2012 football championships but it deserves a red card for blocking the Council Conclusions on the Energy Roadmap 2050. To achieve its energy and environmental goals, Europe needs a team effort”, stated Muth.
The Commission communication on the Energy Roadmap 2050 seeks to develop a long-term stable policy framework towards decarbonisation of the European energy system by 2050, including a 25% carbon dioxide emissions reduction target. Nonetheless, the Polish Government will assume the rotating European Presidency in July and therefore, it is unclear how its stint as European President may affect reaching this goal, especially considering the Polish government reportedly stated after last week's debate at the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council that “it may well be that we would not propose this issue during our presidency at all”.
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