Today, the European Parliament voted on the energy efficiency proposal, one of the key building blocks of the Clean Energy Package. The Parliament adopted the EU’s energy efficiency binding target at a minimum of 35% by 2030, while the national targets shall remain indicative.

BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer commented: “Realistic targets and sufficient flexibility are the main preconditions to make energy efficiency a success story in Europe. BusinessEurope warned against an increase of the ambition level beyond realistic expectations and economic sense. The 35% target risks impacting negatively the EU Emission Trading System and implies a significant increase of cost for the EU economy and consumers.

We welcome the decision to maintain flexibility for Member States, at least partially, including the indicative nature of national targets. Due to differences in the EU economies, it is vital to have means to decide on the respectively right cost-effective measures. However, the position adopted today will limit some options, such as Member States’ ability to decide on excluding some sectors from savings calculations.”

Energy efficiency is an essential pillar of the EU energy and climate policy. Efficient use of energy has always been a priority for companies and is in fact a part of their DNA in order to remain competitive. It shall contribute to and enhance energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

– See our history and watch our livestream of BUSINESSEUROPE Day 2018 on 1 March 2018 –

Exactly 60 years ago, on 28 February 1958, the Presidents and Directors General of the national Belgian, Dutch, French, German, Italian and Luxembourgish business federations announced the creation of the Union of Industries from the European Community (UNICE), today BusinessEurope with 39 members in 34 European countries. The very first meeting of the organisation took place on 1 March 1958 and BusinessEurope supported the European integration and the aims pursued by the Treaties of Rome from the outset.

“We have a key role to play in making sure that our model of social market economy continues to thrive”, says BusinessEurope President Emma Marcegaglia, looking at 60 years of the association’s history and at the challenges ahead.

For this anniversary BusinessEurope published a photo album with key milestones in the organisation’s history, which is available here.

Over the past 60 years, European integration has been a crucial driver of companies’ success. The European business community has often set the pace for further European integration. A thriving business community will always be essential for Europe to succeed and remain one of the best places in which to live and work in the world.

On 1 March 2018, the Presidents and Directors General of our member federations will meet in Brussels at BUSINESSEUROPE Day 2018 and discuss the “value.s of business” together with top European policy-makers and business leaders. BusinessEurope will livestream parts of this event on its own homepage and via Euractiv. Please see the event programme here.

“Fulfilling our Potential – Shaping our Future” #SEV4Growth

Public event of SEV’s General Assembly  |  Megaron, the Athens Concert Hall, Alexandra Trianti Hall  |  Tuesday, October 10th, 2023, 19:30 (ΕΕΤ)  

Discussion:

• Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic
• Mr. Dimitri Papalexopoulos, Chairman of SEV

Moderation: Nicky Lyberaki, Journalist