Welcoming the proposals, PES President Sergei Stanishev said:
“This is the clean choice for the planet, the affordable choice for citizens, and the right choice geopolitically. Thanks to Executive Vice-President Timmermans, the EU is on track for energy independence. This plan means we will grasp the potential of renewable energy even more quickly and create good quality jobs here in Europe.
“Socialists and democrats have been pushing hard for the green transition and, once again, it is progressives in the European Commission leading the way. As a result, we have a green transition that is also socially just. This plan is an important part of tackling high energy prices for citizens, so everyone has access to heat in winter.”
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Executive Vice-President Timmermans has proposed measures to diversify gas supplies away from Russian producers, speed up the roll-out of renewable gases, and replace gas in heating and power generation. Under this approach, EU demand for Russian gas will be reduced by two-thirds before the end of the year – a significant step towards energy independence for the EU.
Under the Fit for 55 package, the EU will reduce its total gas consumption by 30% by 2030, and reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.
