Commission plans for a low-carbon future

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 “The Commission's paper shows that the case for a 30% EU carbon target has never been stronger. Lobby efforts by old carbon-intensive industries could not derail plans to adjust carbon trading to a higher carbon target.”
Joris den Blanken, Greenpeace EU climate policy director.

“Policies that drive industry out of Europe will reduce European growth and jobs without helping the global climate.
Philippe de Buck, director-general of BusinessEurope, the pan-European employers' association.

“All EU institutions recognise that the European Union is falling dangerously short of its 2020 energy efficiency target. It is therefore hard to understand why this new energy efficiency plan lacks the ambition or concrete measures needed to put Europe back on track.
Monica Frassoni, president of the European Alliance to Save Energy.

 “The introduction of binding targets [on energy efficiency] would create uncertainty and administrative burdens.  Businesses, especially smaller ones, need more information and financial incentives to increase the uptake of energy audits and to ensure effective follow-up measures.”
Arnaldo Abruzzini, secretary-general of Eurochambres, pan-European organisation mostly representing small and medium-sized businesses.