Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2005-12-12-Speech-1-134"
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"en.20051212.17.1-134"2
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"Climate change poses a threat both to the people of the world and to the environment. At the same time Europe is becoming increasingly dependent on imported fossil fuels, and this has a serious impact on its energy security. For this reason the European Union is wrestling with two major challenges in the area of energy: how to reduce its dependence on imports, and how to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases in line with the commitments of the Kyoto Protocol as well as after its expiry. In both cases we can make use of the as yet unexploited possibility of efficient energy use.
In formulating the directive on energy end-use efficiency we had the choice of two approaches. The first approach would have involved opting for slightly more ambitious indicative targets, and the second for less ambitious, very realistically attainable binding targets. I take the view, however, that the current proposal contains a combination of the two approaches – indicative as well as very realistic targets.
I would like them to be a little more ambitious. It makes sense to me that we should set ourselves binding targets. I also believe that targets set higher for the public sector would set a good example for the private sector.
I am well aware, however, that current European reality has a somewhat bitter aftertaste – we are neither able or skilful enough to reach agreements, and we have no support for our work. We must therefore be especially careful to define the targets in such a way that they can be fulfilled. Only in this case can the directive encourage individual countries and people to implement appropriate measures. People’s confidence in the rationality contained in the substance of Europe’s legal system must be improved, while the directive must also serve to improve the reputation of the European Union.
The proposal that Member States draw up three reports on efficient energy use, and that the fulfilment of commitments be closely monitored, will require more work and impose a greater administrative burden. Yet it is only this kind of approach that is responsible, serious and able to produce appropriate results.
Commissioner, I welcome the goal that you have chosen as the most important in this term, and I support the directive on energy end-use efficiency. I believe that this very directive is a prime example of how joint European action can yield added value, and not simply in financial terms. Transparent operations, continuous exchange of information and the formulation of good practices in this field throughout Europe are indeed essential if the targets are to be met."@en1
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