PES calls for strongest support for energy efficiency

17 October 2006

The Party of European Socialists is calling for the strongest possible political support for the strongest possible energy efficiency measures in the week that the European Commission publishes its proposals to boost European energy saving. 

"It is simply not possible to combat climate change, or improve the security of Europe's energy supply, without reducing our consumption of energy" said Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, President of the Party of European Socialists, "and the fact is that enormous energy savings are possible.
There needs to be much stronger political momentum for energy efficiency. A good start would be the strongest possible political support in the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers for the strongest possible measures to improve energy efficiency across Europe.
I really hope the European Commission comes forward with realistic but ambitious proposals. This is not the time to be shy about new regulations." 

"Wasting energy is senseless," said Eero Heinaluoma, Chair of the PES High Level Advisory Group on Energy, and Finance Minister of Finland, "it is throwing money away. Energy efficiency means more money in the pockets of families and opportunities for businesses. Energy efficiency creates jobs and will put European industry at the forefront of innovation. Insulating buildings better, improved design standards for electrical goods and tougher emission limits for cars may not be glamorous but they can literally make a world of difference."

"Climate change and sustainable energy supplies together form one of the great challenges this century. Vastly increased energy efficiency is one major contribution to meeting that challenge. There may not be people marching in the street for it, but more energy efficiency will benefit
every person on this planet."     

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Julian Scola, Press Officer, Party of European Socialists, , mobile +32 486 117 394