Press release - February 27, 2017
Brussels – The energy package being discussed by EU energy ministers today could endanger the transition to renewable energy and falls well below the action needed, warned Greenpeace. The “Clean Energy for All” package is meant to be the main set of rules for the EU to help limit global temperature increase to 1.5°C, as agreed in Paris. This necessitates a phase-out of all fossil fuel uses and transition to renewables within a generation.
However, the Commission’s proposals would reduce support for renewables in comparison with existing legislation and would leave the door open to subsidies for coal, gas and nuclear power. The EU energy ministers are expected to broadly endorse the package. While a number of countries are likely to ask for more ambitious rules on renewables. Poland, on the other hand, is expected to reject the plans outright, demanding more room to subsidise coal.
Greenpeace EU energy policy adviser Sebastian Mang said: “Several European governments are promoting huge pay-outs for dirty fossil fuels in discussions on the next EU energy package. At the same time, EU investments in renewables decreased from 112 billion euros in 2011 to 54 billion in 2016. Renewables are better for the planet and they literally encourage people power – power generated by people. Instead of propping up a harmful, doomed industry, our governments should invest in a clean and just energy transition enabling all Europeans to reap the benefits of renewables.”
The Council debate will be streamed at http://video.consilium.europa.eu/en/webcast/143ec926-a910-4bc7-87ee-5fa49fc7e10e
Contacts:
Sebastian Mang - Greenpeace EU energy policy adviser: +32 (0)479 60 12 89, 
Greenpeace EU press desk: +32 (0)2 274 1911, 
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.