How should we tackle the European Union energy crisis: here is what our MEPs say

Interviews with MEPs

At the end of March, we went inside the European Parliament to interview several MEPs about their views on the energy crisis in Europe and what can be done to solve it. Luckily, we can all agree that we need to give priority to sustainable renewables and their expansion on a European level. Check out portions of their interviews below.  

05-18-22

With the EU’s dependency on gas and oil from Russia, the EU’s target to reduce its carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 is, more than ever, an important target to reach. We need to work together to build a stronger, resilient, self-reliant Europe. The future direction of the EU to move towards 100% renewables needs a clear long-term framework. 

Solutions need to be holistic and avoid all-but-green energy solutions such as hydropower and woody biomass that destroy nature and put local communities at risk. Achieving a balance between this energy system shift and the protection of nature will mean finding solutions that are win-win for climate and nature. The revision of the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED) will be a key driving force. A fit-for-purpose RED would ensure a clean, resilient, affordable and secure energy system also through the spread of renewable energy communities with low impact on biodiversity. Read EuroNatur’s position paper here.

As part of our #RED4Nature campaign, we want to show EU citizens what decision-makers have to say about how to achieve climate and biodiversity objectives. During the last week of March 2022, several MEPs shared their opinion on the future of the EU's energy system.

Join us in our campaign for a future EU that prioritises energy that tackles both the climate and biodiversity crises. Get in contact with us to learn about more ways to engage with your political representatives. Email: red4nature(at)euronatur.org

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