The 2030 EU Climate and Energy Package: Why and How?
It is not surprising that in difficult economic times a long-term issue like climate policy has slipped down the agenda. However, Europe still has fundamental challenges to face in this regard. The IPCC’s 5th assessment report underscored again the urgency of action on climate change. Europe will need to prepare its position for the crucial 2015 climate change negotiations hosted by France. Moreover, Europe’s energy sector is in dire need of long-term orientations. Europe’s fuel bill is a significant weight on its economy; the weight of evidence suggests that Europe will not replicate the US shale gas revolution. It is also important not to exaggerate the importance of the US shale revolution for competiveness and economic performance. Europe will need to develop its own collective, competitive solutions.