Press Release

09/03/2007

Agreement on energy - European political will is back. Joseph Daul, Chairman of the EPP­-ED Group

Commenting on the agreement reached between the EU-27 in the European Council of 8 and 9 March on the fight against climate change and energy policy, Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group, the most influential political grouping in the European Parliament, declared: "Europe showed that when political will is present, it is capable of decisive and courageous decisions."

The European Council decided this Friday (09.03.2007) to lay down binding objectives to combat climate change. Beyond an overall agreement to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the EU by at least 20% between now and 2020, the EU-27 also decided to give themselves a binding objective for the share of renewable energy in the total European energy consumption. This will have to reach 20% between now and 2020.

At a meeting of the leaders of his political family on 8 March, Joseph Daul emphasised that such an agreement was "not only desirable, but essential" so that Europe shows itself capable of meeting global challenges and shows the way to its partners. This decision also gives a clear response to the climate of doubt and uncertainty prevailing for some time within the Union.

"Europe is the future. Thanks to her personal dedication, her strength of conviction and the support of the EPP political family, the President of the European Council, Angela Merkel, showed that with political will and courage, Europe can be put on the right track and confidence can be restored."

(Translation from the original French)

For further information:
Joseph Daul MEP, Tel: +32-2-2845525
Antoine Ripoll, Chairman's Spokesman, Tel: +32-475-856290

Notes to Editors:
The EPP-ED Group is the largest political group in the European Parliament with 277 Members from all 27 Member States.