The European Commission presented today their package against climate change aiming at a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% and an increase of the share of renewable energy sources in the energy consumption to 20% by 2020.

Rainer Plassmann, Secretary General of CEEP, states: "CEEP, as the European Commission and most Member States, is sure of the necessity to act now. We are at a turning point of our acquaintance with the natural resources of the earth. Climate change becomes a burden for society.

The measures proposed by the European Commission could bring us closer to reaching the energy and climate change aims adopted by the European Council in March 2007. Further discussions will show whether the setting of different operational targets for the Member States is well-balanced and equitable and whether the emissions trade system can be more effective.

But one thing is an absolute condition: Any European energy and climate policy must be seen in the context of a global economy. Our industries, services and products must remain globally competitive. Making cleaner industry an asset in a global economy is a challenge. But a lopsided European approach leading in the end to a shrinking economy and to less employment has to be rejected.

Another thing must be seen clearly: Fighting climate change is not for free. Trade, industry, transport, administrations as all the other sectors of the economy, together with the energy sector, should administer the process. And not to forget the consumers: They must know that they have to contribute to the success of any climate policy by a changed consumer behaviour and by the acceptance of a certain monetary mite.

Public enterprises and administrations and all providers of services of general interest, which are close to the citizens, have a special role to play in the awareness of the consumers and consider fight against climate change as part of their public service missions".

CEEP sees the necessity to install a committee for exchanging experiences between the Commission and the several stakeholders in the field of climate change. The aim is to set concrete and feasible measures for the long, the medium and the short term.

For further information, please contact:

Inge REICHERT, Director of CEEP - tel. +32 (0) 2 219 27 98