EU Energy Ministers must learn lessons from Ukraine crisis

At today’s meeting of EU Energy Ministers, a debate was held on the 2030 European Climate and Energy Package as well as the Energy Security Strategy put forward by the European Commission last month in light of the political tensions with Russia over the Ukraine crisis.     

Lies Craeynest, Oxfam’s EU climate and energy expert said:

“Energy security and climate action are two sides of the same coin. But while offering support for renewable energy and energy savings with one hand, some Ministers are ready to snatch it away by leaving the door open for expensive and dirty fossil fuel sources.  Continuing on this climate blind road will only lead to increasing energy and food prices, squeezing European households at a time when they can least afford it."

“When meeting later this month, EU leaders should do the math and focus on actions that produce energy savings, sustainable energy and food security for Europeans, while avoiding the worst impacts of climate change, particularly on the poorest. Only by doing this can the EU claim to have successfully joined the dots between energy and climate.”

Notes to editors

Oxfam is calling for European Union targets of 40% target on energy efficiency, 45% target on renewable energy and a 55% reduction in greenhouse gases; the minimum targets required to avoid severe impact on food and fuel prices. 

Related information

Read the Oxfam report Fit for a food-and energy-secure world? for more information.