Increasing energy efficiency is key for addressing future challenges of the European Union. Lowering the demand for energy and ‘putting energy efficiency first’ is therefore one of the five main objectives of the Energy Union. In 2015, Member States confirmed the imperative need to reach the 20% energy efficiency target for 20201. Energy efficiency policies bring cost savings for consumers, in addition to benefits with respect to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, security of supply, competitiveness, sustainability of the European economy and job creation. In November 2016, the Commission therefore proposed to strengthen this crucial policy area beyond 2020 by aiming for a 30% EU binding energy efficiency target for 20302.
This 2016 report provides an assessment of the progress made up to 2014 towards reaching the 20% energy efficiency target for 2020 and implementing the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED). It includes several recommendations for Member States3. Based mainly on Member States’ 2016 Annual Reports and the latest 2014 data from Eurostat, it builds on the Energy Efficiency Progress Report 20154.7. More information in attached document.