October 2011 | Read the briefing

The European Union has endorsed a target of 20% energy savings by 2020 but it is reportedly set to miss it by more than half. Without a legally binding target this goal cannot be achieved. However, the recent Commission’s proposal for an Energy Efficiency Directive (‘EED Proposal’) does not include such binding target despite a clear mandate from the European Council and Parliament.

This briefing explains why the EED Proposal has to contain mandatory national targets set in accordance with national projections for 2020 and the solidarity principle.

Note: ClientEarth supports amendments to the draft report proposed by ITRE Committee Rapporteur Claude TURMES, and this briefing has been updated to reflect them.