PRESS RELEASE

Face up to climate change challenge! Energy ministers warned

(Brussels, 8 February 2007) -  Next week, on 15 February, EU ministers will respond to the European Commission's energy policy proposals. "We're concerned energy ministers will weaken, not strengthen, the Commission's energy proposals", said John Hontelez, Secretary General of EEB, Europe's largest federation of environmental citizens' organisations. "The time for non-binding promises is long past. The EU's ability to fight climate change and retain its citizens' trust depends on its commitment to an ambitious and binding energy policy which will progressively reduce greenhouse gases and improve the environment".

In a letter to ministers on the EU Energy Council (see link below), EEB stressed the need to agree on conclusions which ensure the EU's global leadership in climate and energy policies beyond the Kyoto Climate Change Protocol.  EEB seeks a better-coordinated EU Energy Policy, where environmental objectives are clear priorities alongside security of supply and competitiveness. EEB welcomes the Commission's proposal for a legally-binding target for renewable energy's share of the EU 'energy mix' by 2020, but considers the proposed 20% goal unambitious. EEB has called on ministers to beef up this target by setting specific targets for the electricity, heating and cooling sectors. But the environmental NGO rejects the proposed 10% target for biofuels in vehicle fuel, arguing that it ignores the environmental pressures of production and the risk of serious social damage in biofuel-exporting countries.

EEB is also concerned at the Commission's positive references to nuclear power as a means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  It opposes the promotion and use of nuclear energy because of the risk of serious accidents and the unproven security of nuclear waste handling.  "This is an unnecessary and expensive risk to people, the economy and the environment ", said Hontelez.  "Ministers must ensure that fighting climate change isn't used as an excuse to build new nuclear power stations."

On energy efficiency, EEB urges energy ministers to respond more positively to the Commission's October 2006 Action Plan, as they were in their initial debate last November. EEB believes the Commission's combined proposals can substantially contribute to reducing EU energy use. But this requires implementing all the proposals.

To access EEB's letter, see:-
http://www.eeb.org/activities/energy_policy/EEB-letter-Energy-Council-15Feb-07.pdf  

For further information please contact:-
John Hontelez, Secretary General, European Environmental Bureau: hontelez@eeb.org; Tel: +32 (0)2 289 1091. Mobile: +32 (0)486 51 21 27
Peter Clarke, Press & Publications Officer: press@eeb.org; Tel: +32 (0)2 289 1309