Press release - May 22, 2013
Brussels, 22 May 2013 – Today, European leaders are meeting to discuss how the EU can ensure the supply of affordable, safe and sustainable energy. EU governments are keen to cut rising energy prices and are under pressure to back seemingly cheaper but extremely polluting fuels with expensive side-effects.
Greenpeace believes that the key to future competitive energy pricing and long-term security of supply for the EU lies with energy efficiency, renewables and a flexible energy system.
Greenpeace EU energy policy adviser Frederic Thoma said: “An EU energy policy that ignores long-term costs is like a restaurant that charges you less but doesn’t do the washing up – in the end somebody has to deal with the mess. Short-term thinking on energy is as unforgivable and as costly as short-term thinking on taxation or banking. An integrated European energy system should be built on a modern and smart grid that promotes the use of clean and safe energy sources, not a temporary, polluting waste of money that does nothing to secure our economy.”
Greenpeace welcomes the commitment from today’s Council to discuss a new framework for climate and energy policy for 2030 in March next year, and calls upon the Commission and ministers to come forward with proposals for strong binding targets for renewable energy, energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emission reductions. Greenpeace wants a renewable energy target of 45% and a greenhouse gas target of at least 55% domestic cuts by 2030.
Contacts:
Frederic Thoma - Greenpeace EU energy policy adviser: +32 (0) 486 401 895, 
Ed Davitt - Greenpeace media officer: +32 (0)476 988 584, 
For breaking news and comment on EU affairs: www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU
Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.