Dear President von der Leyen,
Dear President Costa,
Dear President Metsola,
Europe faces an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape. Russia’s war against
Ukraine and rising tensions in the Middle East have exposed the risks of fossil-fuel
dependence making Europe’s energy security, affordability and competitiveness not
only a climate imperative, but a strategic necessity. The choices Europe makes today
for its post-2030 energy framework will determine its energy security for decades to
come
The EU’s 2030 energy and climate framework has already shown that a clear direction,
binding targets and coordinated European action bring tangible benefits. Through
the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), the
EU has accelerated renewable energy deployment, improved energy efficiency,
reduced emissions, supported economic growth and job creation, and helped shield
citizens and businesses from volatile fossil fuel prices.
In an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment, Europe must move faster to
phase out fossil fuels and accelerate the transition to a fully renewable-based, efficient,
and electrified energy system. The evidence is clear: Electrifying roughly half of the EU
economy by 2040 is projected to deliver net savings of around €29 billion per year
through lower fuel imports and system costs. Every 1% improvement in energy
efficiency cuts gas imports by 2.6%, making savings the fastest-acting tool for energy
security. Renewables-based energy system will save Europe €1.6tn and it can do this
at the lowest cost.
As discussions begin on the post-2030 EU energy and climate framework, it is crucial
to build on the success of the current framework while addressing remaining
shortcomings including persistent implementation gaps, insufficient enabling
conditions for energy efficiency measures and renewables-based electrification across
industry, buildings, transport, and renewable heating and cooling, and limited cross
border cooperation that leaves significant cost-effective renewable potential
untapped.
To strengthen the resilience of Europe’s energy system, move to a more efficient
and decarbonised economy and ensure affordable energy for citizens and industry,
the post-2030 EU framework should be guided by the following principles:
- Maintain binding and ambitious EU targets
Binding EU targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency have been essential
in driving investment certainty, technological innovation and coordinated action
across Member States. The post-2030 framework should maintain and strengthen
these binding targets as the cornerstone of EU energy policy while introducing
a dedicated electrification pillar with a quantified target, benchmarks, clear national
contributions, and robust governance for the rapid uptake of renewable electricity
across buildings, transport, and industry. These should be translated into
technology-specific trajectories within the NECPs, providing the visibility needed
for supply chains to plan and scale up in line with future deployment. - Ensure enforceable delivery mechanisms
The 2040 EU targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency must be
supported by strong governance, clear national contributions, and effective
enforcement mechanisms to ensure full implementation. For instance, Member
States should plan technology-specific auctions 5 years ahead on a rolling basis
detailing the timeline, budget and volumes that will be auctioned. This should be
complemented by greater transparency in long-term renewables auction
plannings, providing the predictability needed to strengthen supply chains and
align capacity development with future deployment. - Implementation of the EU legislation is the best simplification
A swift and consistent implementation of the RED and the EED is the most
impactful form of simplification and must be a top priority. Supported by strong
enabling conditions, it will further reduce administrative barriers. The post-2030
framework should of course not weaken the ambition or enforceability of existing
legislation. - Strengthen the framework for renewable-based electrification
Electrification will be the backbone of a decarbonised European energy system. To
ensure it is cost-efficient, the EU should strengthen policy support for renewable
based electrification, notably by facilitating PPA uptake and smart and flexible
electrification across sectors through enhanced provisions in the Governance
Regulation, the EED and the RED. This should be coupled with funding such as the
Industrial Decarbonisation Bank. - Preserve the implementation of energy efficiency measures
As energy efficiency improves industries’ competitiveness, lowers energy imports,
ensures a more affordable electrification and mitigates energy poverty, the 2040
EU energy efficiency target must be complemented with dedicated measures and
actions to ensure the continuation of progress during the next decade. - Accelerate system flexibility and storage deployment
While rapid wind, solar and geothermal deployment remains essential, ensuring
a reliable energy supply requires significantly greater investment in flexibility
solutions, including demand-side response, storage, and long-duration energy
storage. Beyond investments, flexibility solutions also need access to markets and
proper price signals. - Unlock financing and the full potential of cross-border cooperation
EU cooperation mechanisms can significantly reduce the overall cost of the energy
transition, yet they remain underutilised. The post-2030 framework should
strengthen incentives for cross-border collaboration, including through privileged
access to EU financial instruments and joint support schemes.
As signatories, we call for a strong and binding post-2030 EU energy framework
that strengthens energy security, ensures affordable energy for citizens and
industry, and reinforces Europe’s long-term competitiveness and resilience.
