REPowerEU plan: SMEs reject another change of targets
18 May 2022by smeunited -- last modified 18 May 2022
SMEunited warns against another change of renewables and energy efficiency targets, as proposed today in the REPowerEU plan. SMEs require investment stability and planning. We support further elements of the REPowerEU plan aimed at strengthening the EU's diversification of energy sources both with internal and external measures.
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"Ensuring new and reliable energy sources in this period is a priority for the EU, but SMEs must have a stable legislative environment, which provides clear perspectives and planning for their investments!" declared SMEunited President Petri Salminen commenting on the REPowerEU plan published today. "This is why SMEunited advocates against changing renewables and energy efficiency targets again."
The two directives, part of the 'Fit for 55' package, are currently under revision after an update only a few years ago. According to SMEunited, another change of targets during the negotiation process shows a lack of understanding that SMEs are bound to investment cycles. "This is particularly important now when SMEs pass from the Covid pandemic to the current energy crisis, which already drains resources," highlighted President Salminen.
SMEunited, on the other hand, welcomes other elements of the REPowerEU plan, especially the actions to increase the EU's own production and diversified import of renewables and alternative fuels. "The plan goes in the right direction by strengthening internal production and imports of hydrogen and biomethane. It fosters the EU energy diplomacy to diversify the EU's energy partners and urges Member States to adapt their contingency and Recovery and Resilience plans," Mr Salminen pointed out.
SMEunited is the association of Crafts and SMEs in Europe with 65-member organisations from over 30 European countries. SMEunited represents national cross-sectoral Craft and SME federations, European SME branch organisations and associate members. Combined, it represents more than 22,5 million enterprises with around 82 million employees across Europe.
SMEunited