Activists urge EU to go for 100% renewable energy

Sixty-five activists, from five countries, [1] also painted surrounding roads with biodegradable yellow paint to turn the roundabout into a giant sun, but this was removed by the fire brigade at the request of the police. This is the latest in a series of seven eye-catching actions across European cities, [2] as the EU and national governments decide the future of the EU’s energy system and Europe’s contribution in the global fight against climate change.

Greenpeace EU energy policy adviser Ansgar Kiene said: “Europe has an abundance of renewable energy waiting to be harnessed. Ordinary people, cooperatives and small businesses are all ready to take part in the energy revolution, making electricity from wind, water and sunlight. It’s time for the EU to wrest the energy system away from a few large corporate players invested in dirty fuels like coal, and give control to the people.”

The EU is currently deciding the future of its energy system through the review of wide-ranging legislation covering renewable energy policy, fossil fuel subsidies and the design of the electricity market. The European Commission’s proposals were published late last year, branded as the ‘clean energy for all Europeans’ package.

The European Parliament’s energy committee will vote on the policy plans for renewable energy on 28 November and on the reform of the electricity market rules on 11 December. The full Parliament will vote in early 2018. Energy ministers from all EU countries will also meet on 18 December to come to a preliminary agreement on the planned reforms, in preparation for negotiations with the Parliament and Commission.

** High-res photo and video available at bit.ly/GP_9Oct17**

Notes:

[1] Barcelona, Spain; Zadar, Croatia; Budapest, Hungary; Ljubljana, Slovenia; Pernik, Bulgaria; Sibiu, Romania; Brussels, Belgium

[2] Belgium, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland

Contacts:

Ansgar Kiene, Greenpeace EU energy policy adviser (English, German): [email protected], +32 476 96 13 75

Juliette Boulet, Greenpeace Belgium spokesperson (French): [email protected], +32 474 76 34 97

Joeri Thijs, Greenpeace Belgium spokesperson (Dutch): [email protected], +32 496 26 31 92

Greenpeace EU press desk: +32 (0)2 274 1911, [email protected]

For breaking news and comment on EU affairs: www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU

This press release is also available online at www.greenpeace.eu

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.

ENDS