Today, the European Commission will present a package of climate and energy legislative initiatives, its so-called ‘Fit for 55’ package, aiming to reach the EU’s 2030 goal of cutting emissions by 55%.

The package consists of a series of new EU laws, as well as updates to existing laws. There is a broad bundle of measures intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create mechanisms that will support the economy and guarantee a fair transition. Among the several proposals, the European Commission is expected to introduce a ‘climate action social fund’ that will be used by the Member States as a tool to mitigate the risks of the transition for the most vulnerable.

CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger said: ‘CESI welcomes the new climate package and the initiatives towards an improved energy efficacy strategy. There is no time to lose: We must act now- for our planet and the people! We must build a climate-neutral economy that preserves ecosystems and at the same time, we must ensure that this green transition will happen in a socially fair way. The proposed changes will have a major impact on the national policies of the Member States and, therefore, we need well-functioning mechanisms that can guarantee a smooth transition.’