The EU could save €50 billion a year if energy consumption could be cut by 20%. That's as well as saving the environment. The Parliament has voted through measures that should help, even if they don't go as far as many MEPs would have liked. The directive is not at all perfect but it's a big step. For the first time we have a legal framework that obliges the Member States to put emphasis on energy efficiency and everywhere in Europe we need to have support schemes now for energy efficiency. The new directive will oblige governments to renovate 3% of their buildings' floor area, although they can opt for equivalent savings instead. Energy companies covered must set targets and large companies face an energy audit. The aim is to reduce the costs to consumers, not let them rise. People cannot afford the fuel prices they have. They also can't afford to live without any energy at all. It's no good to just switch off the lights and the heating and say 'freeze'. So how can you help people to save energy and therefore save money? The EU's bill for imported energy comes to nearly €500 billion, 3.9% of GDP, and it's especially hard for states with a debt crisis. The directive should help reduce that and it could potentially tackle unemployment. The only motivation for me to support this issue is the creation of new jobs. Two million new jobs is my motivation to support this directive. Negotiations have been long and hard but the end result should be to save the EU and its citizens money while improving the environment.
EuroparlTV video ID: a9563335-c53a-4038-a300-a0cb00f7f8e2
