European Commission Proposes New EU Energy Policy

The European Commission today proposed a comprehensive new energy policy for Europe, "Energy for a Changing World," to combat climate change and boost the European Union's energy security and competitiveness. Setting a series of ambitious greenhouse gas emissions reductions targets for the EU—at least 20 percent by the year 2020—and furthering renewable energy efforts, the proposal aims to create a true internal market for energy and strengthen effective regulation.

Noting the EU's origins in the European Coal and Steel Community, Commission President José Manuel Barroso said, "Energy policy was a core area at the start of the European project.  We must now return it to center stage. The challenges of climate change, increasing import dependence, and higher energy prices are faced by all EU members. A common European response is necessary to deliver sustainable, secure and competitive energy."

EU Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs noted that the new proposal demonstrates the EU's "commitment to leadership and a long-term vision for a new Energy Policy for Europe that responds to climate change.  We must act now, to shape tomorrow's world," he added.

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