The European Commission held a high-level event on de-carbonizing the European road transport sector, which is responsible for one quarter of the EU's energy consumption and approximately one fifth of its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
The event examined potential next steps for road-based climate change mitigation, in the context of the expected 2015 climate agreement, the goal to hold average temperature rise to not more than 2°C above pre-industrial levels and commitments by the Group of Seven (G7).
18 June 2015: The European Commission held a high-level event on decarbonizing the European road transport sector, which is responsible for one quarter of the EU’s energy consumption and approximately one fifth of its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The event examined potential next steps for road-based climate change mitigation in the context of: the expected 2015 climate agreement; the goal to hold average temperature rise below 2°C compared to pre-industrial levels; and commitments by the Group of Seven (G7).
The event, held on 18 June 2015, in Brussels, Belgium, was organized around the theme ‘Driving Road Decarbonization Forwards.’ It was co-hosted by EU Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy Miguel Arias Cañete, Internal Market and Industry Commissioner Elżbieta Bieńkowska and Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc. In his remarks at the conference, Cañete noted that “a new car today in Europe is 22% more efficient than in 2007. And by 2021 it should be 40% more efficient” thanks to ambitious EU standards.
The EU’s 2015 car target and 2017 van target were met in 2013. The Commission is required to propose post-2020 targets by the end of 2015. Cañate highlighted the need for advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy in the transport sector, noting that, “Efficiency gains help us not just cut emissions, but also save consumers fuel and money.” On renewables he added that “with a share of 5.7% in 2014, achieving [the] 10% target of renewable energy in transport will certainly be challenging, yet feasible.”
The event consisted of three panel sessions on: road transport decarbonization in relation to energy and climate policy; the overall strategy for transport in view of the upcoming Road Package; and competitiveness. One Commissioner, a member State Minister, a European Parliament Committee Chair, an industry representative and a civil society representative served on each panel. The input received during the conference will be used by the Commission in its continued work on decarbonizing the road transport sector. [EU Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy Remarks] [European Commission Road Transport Webpage] [Driving Road Decarbonization Forwards Conference Website] [EU Mobility and Transport Event Webpage] [EU Climate Action Event Webpage]