Solar Heat Europe jointly with a coalition of Renewable Energy Sources associations addressed their concerns on the upcoming decision related to the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the period 2020-2027.

Climate, energy and renewable sources must be a priority in the upcoming ERDF. Europe needs to act fast and push for a carbon neutral Europe in line with the objectives of the 2050 long-term strategy. Fossil fuel subsidies are encountering this priority and cannot be part of this vision. Amendments to the EU Commission proposal, as is the case for Article 6.1.h of the ERDF regulation, must not include any more exemptions to the “investment related to production, processing, distribution, storage or combustion of fossil fuels”. Therefore, AM637 and other such proposals should be rejected. All carbon intensive infrastructure built after 2020 will still contribute to emissions production in 2050, the EU must therefore not subsidise carbon lock in, nor should it waste tax payers’ money on potential stranded assets. The ERDF and CF framework should enable a fair and renewable transition to achieve a fully decarbonised economy in all EU regions and communities.