International. The European Parliament approved increasing the energy efficiency target, to 32.5% in 2030, as well as the share of renewable energy use in the European Union, which should reach 32% of the total on the same date.
These targets will be reviewed within five years. However, they cannot be lowered, but can only be hardened.
According to Parliament's clarifications, these objectives to promote energy efficiency will cause a reduction in the bill of the citizens of the Union. However, Brussels also welcomed the fact that these measures could lead to a reduction in dependence on imported oil and gas, as well as an improvement in air quality.
On the other hand, countries will be obliged to introduce specific measures to tackle energy poverty. Parliament also allows individuals to produce energy for their own consumption, store it and sell the part it does not use.
Regarding the use of renewable energies, Parliament considers that second-generation biofuels "can play a key role" in reducing the carbon footprint of the transport sector. In addition, at least 14% of the fuel destined for transport must come from renewable sources by 2030.
First-generation biofuels with a high risk of "indirect land-use change" will not be considered for renewable use targets from 2030 onwards. From 2019, the contribution of first-generation biofuels to these targets will be gradually reduced until they are left out by that date.
Each Member State will also have to submit ten-year energy and climate plans. In these reports, States must detail all national objectives, policies and measures in this area, by 31 December next year. It must be done every ten years from the start date.
Once formally adopted by the Council, the legislative texts will enter into force 20 days after their publication in the Official Journal of the EU. The governance regulation will apply directly in all Member States, while countries will have 18 months to transpose the other two directives into national law.
