Europe needs a better balance between climate and industrial growth objectives

EU leaders have agreed on key features of the EU energy and climate policy post-2020. Today’s conclusions lack a stronger impetus for Europe to rethink its policy in order to make it less distortive and to reduce emissions in a more cost-effective manner. There is no other alternative for Europe to protect investment and jobs. Markus J. Beyrer said: “EU leaders didn’t have the strength to re-orientate Europe’s climate and energy policy towards the international competitiveness of EU industry. The 40% emissions reduction target is highly ambitious, aiming at the same effort in 10 years as we are doing over 30 years. It must be re-assessed in the light of the upcoming climate negotiations in Paris."