The 2012 Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) (2012/27/EU) is the EU’s flagship legislation to achieve the 2020 energy efficiency target and prepare the ground for energy efficiency improvements beyond 2020. It sets a framework for EU and national energy efficiency policies and measures. Article 7 is the cornerstone article of the Directive and obliges Member States to deliver new end-use energy savings every year equivalent to 1.5% of average annual sales to final customers. Member States can achieve that by putting in place various measures, allowing flexibility for national differences. Energy Efficiency Obligation schemes are encouraged amongst other possible “alternative measures” including energy efficiency funds, energy taxes, financing schemes, fiscal incentives, and training or education programs.

Build a solid case to illustrate that existing policy could be more effective and push for an ambitious Energy Union Increasing political commitment to #EfficiencyFirst Increased visibility of the EU ASE “brand”.

As key stakeholders in the European energy industry, the members of EU-ASE welcome the creation of the Energy Union and look forward to the positive impact that its success will have on European energy security and sustainability. That success will require bold choices, the implementation of which must be characterised by policies that are strong, smart, and timely, especially when it comes to maximising returns on monetary investments.

The creation and execution of such policies should rest, in part, on five principles:

1. “Efficiency First” policy compass
2. Enforcement of existing regulations
3. Reclassifying energy efficiency investments
4. Strong 2030 governance
5. Increased ambitions for 2030 energy-reduction goals

The creation of the Energy Union presents a tremendous opportunity to strengthen the European energy position, and the EU-ASE looks forward to its success. That success will require smart decisions and policies that should rest, in part, on five principals: adopting an “Efficiency First” policy compass, enforcing existing regulations, reclassifying energy efficiency investments, ensuring strong governance for the 2030 goals, and increasing the ambition of the 2030 energy efficiency target.

Moving forward with these principles will require bravery and boldness. But as President Juncker noted in his speech on 16 July 2014: “I want a European Union that is bigger and more ambitious in the big things and smaller and more modest on small things”.

The Energy Union, and the role of energy efficiency within it, is a big thing.