Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and single-use plastics

Europe has a leading role in the fight against climate change and in the commitment to drive progress towards a low-carbon economy to achieve the ambitious Paris Agreement goal of limiting global temperature increases to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

To that end, the EU needs to develop a long-term greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategy by 2020 - but finding the appropriate policy mix between ambition and the competitiveness of our companies. Our climate goals focus on reducing emissions from industry through a trading system called the ETS – Emissions Trading System , that enables companies to cut emissions cost effectively. Planes, new cars and vans will also be subject in the near future to stricter emission limits.

We also need to tackle the plastic litter that is eating up our seas and beaches. If we do not act now, we might not have anything to act on soon. Replacing all disposable plastic with innovative alternatives and reusable products would not just be good for the planet but it is already an economic opportunity. Leading the revolution, Europe can create new jobs.

Securing a sustainable energy supply

Energy is one of the key elements of the European economy. Our goal is to ensure a steady and sustainable supply at a reasonable cost to our businesses and households. The world is facing serious challenges on greenhouse gas emissions and global warming, a large part related to the continued massive use of fossil fuels.

At the same time, the EU faces the serious challenges of energy import dependency and security of supply, as well as the high cost of energy, which damages the competitiveness of our industries in the global economy. We believe the way forward lies in the Energy Union, based on two pillars: the diversification of energy sources (boosting renewable energy production) and the integration of the EU’s energy market, so that there is a free flow of energy across borders. We need to improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote investment in clean tech.