"Sound basis for policy decisions"
Today the EU Commission presented its analysis of costs and benefits of further developing the EU climate protection target. It concluded that a 30% emission reduction by 2020 against 1990 levels would be feasible, affordable and altogether beneficial for the EU. In the wake of the economic crisis, costs for the climate and energy package have dropped by one third to 22 billion euro. At 33 billion euro or 0.2 per cent of the gross domestic product the additional costs for a 30% cut in emissions are far below the amount calculated in 2007.
Federal Environment Minister Norbert Röttgen noted: "The Commission report is a sound basis for the upcoming political discussions. EU Commissioner Connie Hedegaard is right: ambitious climate protection will secure jobs and bring added value to Europe. Our global competitors are right at our heels. On the lead markets for energy efficiency and renewable energies we have to retain our technological edge to ensure sustainable growth."