Brussels 05/02/2014 – In a resolution, adopted at today’s plenary, the European Parliament calls for a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, a 30% target for renewables and a 40% energy efficiency target, as part of the EU’s 2030 framework for climate and energy policies.

The own-initiative report on a 2030 framework for climate and energy policies (2013/2135(INI)) calls on the Member States and the European Commission to set a binding target of reducing domestic greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 % compared with 1990 levels; a binding energy efficiency target of 40 % and a binding target of producing at least 30 % of total final energy consumption from renewable energy sources. The targets should be implemented through individual national targets that take into consideration the situation and potential of the Member States.

The joint report of the ENVI and ITRE Committees also regrets that the European Commission’s recent Communication on the 2030 climate and energy package is short-sighted and unambitious in many respects, ‘specifically as regards the lack of national targets for renewable energy and of any meaningful new action to incentivise energy efficiency.’ 

Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) Europe welcomes the result of the vote as the MEPs sent a clear signal that further ambition is necessary before the upcoming Council debates on the EU 2030 climate and energy framework in March. Climate Policy Officer Kornelia Bagi states: ‘these targets are not as ambitious as HCWH Europe’s climate demands, however this the first step in the right direction towards a comprehensive and ambitious 2030 framework. The EU has to make all the necessary efforts to lead Europe to low carbon energy systems that would considerably lower the health burden for EU citizens and decrease costs for EU healthcare systems.‘

Health Care Without Harm is an international coalition of more than 500 organisations in 53 countries, working to transform the healthcare sector worldwide, without compromising patient safety or care, so that it is ecologically sustainable and no longer a source of harm to public health and the environment. Visit the HCWH website for more information.

For further information, please contact: Kornelia Bagi, Climate Policy Officer, kornelia.bagi@hcwh.org, 0032 2 5034911