Context
The European Commission adopted in January 2014 a new "climate and energy framework". This legislative "package" aims at progressing towards a low-carbon economy.
The main objectives of the framework are, by 2030:
- To set a greenhouse gas emission reduction target for domestic EU emissions of 40% in 2030 relative to emissions in 1990
- To bring the share of renewable energy consumed in the EU to at least 27% by 2030.
This framework is currently under discussion within the EU institutions. EU leaders agreed in March 2014 to decide on the framework in October 2014 at the latest.
On 17/10/2014, EuLA published a position paper (download) on the 2030 framework for energy and climate.
The European Lime Association (EuLA) welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the development of low carbon economy. However EuLA believes that a strong signal in support of the manufacturing industry is needed to support a competitive industrial base. This signal could be delivered by setting a 2030 re-industrialization target in addition to any climate or energy-related targets.
Furthermore, EuLA advocates for a legally binding international agreement on GHG reductions. Any unilateral reduction targets at EU level should be technically and economically feasible, taking into account each sector specifics.