The European Parliament today voted its position on EU energy goals for 2030, backing out of the level of action needed to combat climate change.

MEPs voted on three files of the ‘Clean Energy Package’ of climate legislation for the next crucial decade for climate action. The positions adopted today will now be taken forward into negotiations with EU governments.

European Union ministers set a dangerous direction for the continent’s energy future at a summit in Brussels today. [1]

Energy ministers agreed to stick with the low target for renewable energy of 27% by 2030. This figure would actually mean a slow-down in the current growth of renewable energy, and was agreed despite Denmark and Portugal signaling that they wanted a higher target. [2]

By weakening definitions and provisions on citizen and community ownership, ministers turned their backs on European citizens’ chance to participate in and benefit from the energy transition.

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Using less energy is the best way to cut CO2 emissions, oil and gas imports, and energy bills. This is why Friends of the Earth Europe is calling for binding EU energy saving targets. Binding targets are the only way to make sure governments cut energy use and people get all the benefits of energy savings.