Brussels, 27 March 2013: A 2030 framework for climate and energy policy is inconceivable without a binding target on energy efficiency that is supported by clear and cost-effective objectives for each of the main economic sectors. This is, in short, the message Glass for Europe will convey in its response to the consultation launched today by the European Commission with the release of its Green Paper addressing a 2030 framework for climate and energy policies.

"We acknowledge the effort made by the Commission in honouring the declaration on payment by presenting a Draft Amending Budget in 'early spring', but we think that this is not enough, this can only be a first step and that more payments will be needed to properly implement the 2013 budget," said Giovanni La Via MEP, EU Budget Rapporteur.

27 country reports assessing national energy efficiency policies in every EU Member State have now been published within the Energy-Efficiency-Watch project. The reports are based on the screening of the National Energy Efficiency Action Plans (NEEAPs) as well as an expert survey, involving about 750 experts, on the implementation of those policies since the first NEEAPs were published in 2007. The country reports provide a unique overview of policy packages and the current implementation status of energy efficiency policies in each Member State.

Executive Summary

The Japan Business Council in Europe (JBCE) welcomes the progress made today which will pave the way to a new era in the relationship between the EU and Japan, and looks forward to the swift conclusion of a successful agreement.