'MORE ACTION ON EU ACTION PLAN' SAYS FIONA HALL

Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliament, Fiona Hall, has strongly criticised EU leaders and the European Commission for not doing more to hit EU targets on energy efficiency.

In her report for the European Parliament on the EU Action Plan for Energy Efficiency endorsed by heads of state in March, Fiona Hall has berated the lack of real action taken despite the rhetoric from the Commission and member states alike.

Ms Hall is the Liberal Democrat spokesperson on energy in Europe and has been at the forefront of the campaign for greater energy efficiency both in Europe and in her North East constituency.

Commenting on her report, which was discussed in the Industry Committee of the European Parliament this week, Fiona Hall said:

"Current research suggests we have as little as eight years to prevent chaotic climate change. Energy efficiency is the quickest and most cost effective way to reduce global carbon emissions.

"But the European Union has to do more than just publish an energy efficiency action plan. There must be urgent practical implementation of that plan, both at a European level and nationally."

The report highlights both the failure of the Commission to take on extra staff agreed to be necessary to fulfil the plan and the failure of national governments to implement earlier energy efficiency legislation. Many countries, including the UK, have been late in implementing the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and by 1st September only 9 out of 27 EU countries had submitted their national energy efficiency action plan, required by law on 30th June.