Dear President von der Leyen,
Dear President Costa,
Dear President Metsola,
Europe faces an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape. Russia’s war against Ukraine and rising tensions in the Middle East have exposed the risks of fossil-fuel dependence making Europe’s energy security, affordability and competitiveness not only a climate imperative, but a strategic necessity. The choices Europe makes today for its post-2030 energy framework will determine its energy security for decades to come.
The EU’s 2030 energy and climate framework has already shown that a clear direction, binding targets and coordinated European action bring tangible benefits. Through the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), the EU has accelerated renewable energy deployment, improved energy efficiency, reduced emissions, supported economic growth and job creation, and helped shield citizens and businesses from volatile fossil fuel prices.
In an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment, Europe must move faster to phase out fossil fuels and accelerate the transition to a fully renewable-based, efficient, and electrified energy system. The evidence is clear: Electrifying roughly half of the EU economy by 2040 is projected to deliver net savings of around €29 billion per year through lower fuel imports and system costs. Every 1% improvement in energy efficiency cuts gas imports by 2.6%, making savings the fastest-acting tool for energy security. Renewables-based energy system will save Europe €1.6tn and it can do this at the lowest cost.
As discussions begin on the post-2030 EU energy and climate framework, it is crucial to build on the success of the current framework while addressing remaining shortcomings including persistent implementation gaps, insufficient enabling conditions for energy efficiency measures and renewables-based electrification across industry, buildings, transport, and renewable heating and cooling, and limited cross-border cooperation that leaves significant cost-effective renewable potential untapped.
To strengthen the resilience of Europe’s energy system, move to a more efficient and decarbonised economy and ensure affordable energy for citizens and industry, the post-2030 EU framework should be guided by the following principles:
As signatories, we call for a strong and binding post-2030 EU energy framework that strengthens energy security, ensures affordable energy for citizens and industry, and reinforces Europe’s long-term competitiveness and resilience.