We have some good news: the data show how we started to change the pattern of the relations between energy consumption and growth. In the past, a rise of the GDP was only possible through an increase in energy consumption: in recent times, we have changed this with more efficiency and a more relevant use of renewables. While GDP between 2005 and 2015 grew by around 10%, the primary energy consumption decreased by 11% in the same period. Economic growth and a more efficient, secure, and sustainable use of energy can walk together and Europe is the proof of it. As I was saying before, we should acknowledge the role that can be played by cities and local authorities in this contest. I remember when I was President of the Committee of the Regions the precious work we done through the Covenant of Mayors. Today we have also the Global Covenant of Mayors for climate change, bringing together the experiences at the EU and UN levels. In terms of financing, the European Union is making concrete efforts. If we take the opportunities given by EFSI, we can see that already 24% of the total financing has been approved in the field of energy – with a priority on energy efficiency, renewable energy and energy infrastructure. And the trend is set to increase significantly in the future. Also, we cannot forget the contribution made the European Structural and Investment Funds where for the 2014-2020 period around 17 (seventeen) billion euro will be available for energy efficiency. As you can probably feel by my words today, I am confident that Europe can be protagonist in the future of energy sustainability and in the fight to climate change. We should all be well aware of the proportion of the challenge, but also ready to use the many strong points we have. Together and with a coordinated efforts we can be the leader of a global energy revolution! Thanks for inviting me and I wish you all an interesting debate!
We have some good news: the data show how we started to change the pattern of the relations between energy consumption and growth. In the past, a rise of the GDP was only possible through an increase in energy consumption: in recent times, we have changed this with more efficiency and a more relevant use of renewables. While GDP between 2005 and 2015 grew by around 10%, the primary energy consumption decreased by 11% in the same period. Economic growth and a more efficient, secure, and sustainable use of energy can walk together and Europe is the proof of it. As I was saying before, we should acknowledge the role that can be played by cities and local authorities in this contest. I remember when I was President of the Committee of the Regions the precious work we done through the Covenant of Mayors. Today we have also the Global Covenant of Mayors for climate change, bringing together the experiences at the EU and UN levels. In terms of financing, the European Union is making concrete efforts. If we take the opportunities given by EFSI, we can see that already 24% of the total financing has been approved in the field of energy – with a priority on energy efficiency, renewable energy and energy infrastructure. And the trend is set to increase significantly in the future. Also, we cannot forget the contribution made the European Structural and Investment Funds where for the 2014-2020 period around 17 (seventeen) billion euro will be available for energy efficiency. As you can probably feel by my words today, I am confident that Europe can be protagonist in the future of energy sustainability and in the fight to climate change. We should all be well aware of the proportion of the challenge, but also ready to use the many strong points we have. Together and with a coordinated efforts we can be the leader of a global energy revolution! Thanks for inviting me and I wish you all an interesting debate!