While expressing disappointment that not all Member States could sign up to the Roadmap’s Presidency Conclusions, as presented to the meeting, the Minister said he was encouraged that Commissioner Oettinger had stated there will be ‘further Commission initiatives this year to move forward the debate on a post 2020 Climate and Energy framework’.
“This is important to stimulate the necessary investment to deliver our low carbon future,” said Charles Hendry.
The Council’s approval was as expected today, advancing the Roadmap which is central to the delivery of the EU’s decarbonisation objective of an 80-95% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, compared with 1990 levels, while ensuring security of supply and competitiveness.
The Roadmap should also form the basis for a policy debate over the next 12-18 months on how the EU should promote low carbon energy investment post 2020.