An EU-wide deal on energy efficiency could be delayed as the European Parliament continues last-minute manoeuvres ahead of crucial talks.
The deal, which would see member states increase their energy efficiency by 20% as part of the EU’s wider climate ambitions, is one of the priorities of the Danish presidency.
On 14 February, Danish Energy and Climate Minister Martin Lidegaard said, following a meeting of energy ministers in Brussels: “I sincerely hope we will find an agreement, but here is still a long way to go.”
On 16 February in Strasbourg, following a meeting of shadow rapporteurs, a compromise on the parliament’s position was reached, which is due to be voted by the energy committee (ITRE), on 28 February.
While many see this compromise, that centres on the issue of legally-binding measures as being credible, others are pushing for a different tactic.
The EPP shadow rapporteur, Markus Pieper, is pushing for an early plenary vote on the issue, which would likely take place during the Brussels mini-session at the end of March, and which will precede trialogue discussions (talks between the parliament, council and commission). Supporters of the deal fear that it will undermine, and possibly negate, the compromise.
Should the deal be approved, it does give a strong mandate to parliament during the negotiating process, however, should the compromise be rejected, then it leaves just three months for the parties to rebuild a workable solution before Denmark hands over the presidency to Cyprus. The Cypriots are not said to be keen on pushing this issue, which means a delay could last until the Irish presidency in the first half of 2013.
The next five weeks will be crucial for the Parliament - do MEPs risk early agreement, or stick with the current procedure? It is a tricky situation; currently, the positions of the European Commission and member states are quite far apart.
In addition to the question of binding measures and targets, a current sticking point is the renovation of public buildings, making them more energy efficient.
Some member states fear that the proposed targets, 2.5% of public buildings over 250m2 to be renovated each year will prove to be too expensive, particular in these austere times, while other parties are pushing for a ‘deep renovation’ scheme, whereby energy consumption must decrease by 75%, which, it is hoped will stimulate the eco-renovation industry as part of the wider green economy.
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