Vrtovec tells EU Parliament Europe should be more ambitious climate-wise
Ljubljana - Presenting Slovenia's EU presidency priorities in energy to the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, Infrastructure Minister Jernej Vrtovec said Thursday that when it comes to Fit for 55 energy proposals, the Slovenian presidency will start with the revision of directives on renewables and energy efficiency.
The minister told the MEPs that the EU should be more ambitious in all areas to realise more ambitious 2030 climate targets and reach climate neutrality until 2050, noting that EU policies should be prepared through concerted action.
Energy consumption generates more than 75% of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU, he said. "Increasing the share of renewable sources of energy in our blend of energy sources is key to ensure a cost-efficient implementation of our climate targets until 2030," he said, according to the ministry.
The EU should also make sure to become a leader in the renewables sector and promote energy security, energy affordability and the bloc's competitiveness, he added.
Efforts to provide a more sustainable energy sector will be also front and centre during the presidency to pave the way for a smooth, cost-efficient and just transition, he said, adding that the Slovenian presidency will continue the work of the previous Portuguese presidency on the Trans European Energy Infrastructure Regulation.