FEDARENE REFLECTION ON A FUTURE ACTION PLAN ON ...

FEDARENE REFLECTION ON A FUTURE ACTION PLAN ON ENERGY 

EFFICIENCY 

If the ‘business-as-usual’ scenario continues, the European Union (EU) will not 

be able to fulfil its commitment to cut its greenhouse emissions by 8% in 2010 in 

relation to 1990 levels. The European Environment Agency (EEA) predicts that 

greenhouse gas emissions will increase in the EU by about 6% over the 1990- 

2010 period. 

Compared to 1995, total energy consumption will increase by 20%, according to 

the EEA. 

In parallel with the debate on renewables, it is of vital importance that a broad 

discussion on energy efficiency takes place at European level. This constitutes 

another area for cutting CO 2 emissions. 

FEDARENE strongly supports the idea of an Action Plan, in particular now that 

the first negative effects of the liberalisation of the electricity and gas markets are 

becoming evident with the substantial drop in energy prices, which run counter to 

efficient energy use. Robust measures are necessary when the current energy 

market conditions are considered. 

FEDARENE regrets, therefore, that a reduction of 1.5% in final energy demand 

was not adopted by the European Parliament in its second reading of the SAVE 

II programme, and calls on the European Commission to create a legal basis in 

order to achieve this target. 

FEDARENE agrees with the Energy Commissioner that energy efficiency plays 

an extremely important role in view of the upcoming enlargement of the 

European Union. FEDARENE, therefore, stresses the need to involve the 

applicant countries from the outset in the measures proposed in the Action Plan. 

FEDARENE is categorically of the view that a European combined tax based on 

CO 2 emissions and energy contentconstitutes an important measure to ensure 

the efficient use of energy. It therefore urges the European Commission to 

increase its efforts to facilitate a general agreement among the Member States of 

the European Union. 

FEDARENE welcomes the fact that the European Commission is proposing 

measures regarding the demand side of European energy policy. FEDARENE 

believes that, with regard to implementing, monotoring, and analysing energy 

efficiency measures, local and regional authorities can play a key role. 

FEDARENE is of the opinion that regional and local authorities are some of the 

major actors in communicating, visualising and clarifying measures necessary to 

increase the efficient use of energy, and, therefore, reducing CO 2 emissions. 

FEDARENE 14.12.99

Strong involvement and engagement of citizens leads to sustainable 

development. 

Many regions in the EU are already implementing measures envisaged at 

increasing energy efficiency. Examples of these initiatives include public support 

for energy-efficient buildings, compulsory energy labelling, the development of 

energy-efficient technologies, dissemination of information and programmes to 

raiseawareness among citizens. FEDARENE is of the opinion that exchanging 

information, particularly on best practices, is not only of considerable benefit 

between Member States, but also between regional and local authorities. 

FEDARENE clearly supports the EU’s initiative to issue an Action Plan for 

improving energy efficiency, in particular since the figures on greenhouse gas 

emissions show that the objective of their reduction can only be met with 

additional measures. 

The involvement of regional and local authorities is of high importance in working 

for the efficient use of energy, as one has to act at the level of the consumer. 

FEDARENE, therefore, calls on the Commission, for it to be involved in the 

implementation of the Action Plan in view of the wide experience the different 

regions have acquired over the years. 

FEDARENE 14.12.99

FEDARENE REFLECTION ON A FUTURE ACTION PLAN ON ...

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