MEPs last Wednesday approved a target of at least 35% renewable energy in gross end-use energy and a binding target of also 35% energy efficiency by 2030. The two targets go beyond proposals made initially by the European Commission, and is now moving towards negotiations with the European Council.

The targets reflect the European Parliament’s position on the legislative proposals under discussion on the directives for renewable energy sources and energy efficiency, which are contained in the Clean Energy Package presented by the European Commission in November 2016.

In the case of renewable energy, the initial Brussels proposal foresees a target of at least 27%, and it is for the Member States to set national targets. In addition to strengthening this target, Parliament also proposes an annual increase in the share of renewables in the heating and cooling sector of 2%, higher than that of the Commission proposal (1%).

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