http://www.energyefficiencynews.comAfion Media LtdClean tech gets €6 billion boost from European recovery plan<p>A <a
href="http://europa.eu/"
rel="external">European Commission</a> (EC) recovery plan for the region is calling for a large-scale, long-term investment in clean tech as part of a far-reaching €200 billion package to boost the region’s economy and create jobs.</p>
<p>The Recovery Plan outlines a €7.2 billion programme of ‘smart investment’ in energy efficient buildings and technologies, as well as short term measures to boost demand, secure jobs and restore confidence in the European economy.</p>
<p>“Exceptional times call for exceptional measures,” said Commission President José Manuel Barroso launching the plan. “This Recovery Plan is big and bold, yet strategic and sustainable. It can turn the crisis into an opportunity to create clean growth… in the future.”</p>
<p>The proposals include a €5 billion green car initiative to shore up the European car market and a €1 billion programme on energy efficient buildings to help retain jobs in the construction sector.</p>
<p>The green car initiative includes €4 billion in low interest loans from the European Investment Bank and an additional €1 billion from the EU, member states and auto industry to invest in electric vehicles and other efficiency measures.</p>
<p>Consumers driving low-carbon vehicles could also benefit from proposed cuts to vehicle registration fees and road taxes.</p>
<p>However, member states have still not agreed on fuel efficiency standards for new cars and look set to cave into industry pressure. Economic fears have also led Germany and the UK to ditch planned tax increases on inefficient fuel-guzzling cars in recent days.</p>
<p>Pressure group <a
href="http://www.transportenvironment.org"
rel="external">Transport & Environment</a> has criticised the EC’s plans, saying there is no guarantee that carmakers will use the investment to go green.</p>
<p>“The message should be loud and clear: not another cent of public money for carmakers until they drop their opposition to fuel efficiency standards,” said Jos Dings, T&E director.</p>
<p>The Recovery Plan is also urging member states to consider reducing VAT levels, as the UK has just done, to help labour-intensive services such as construction.</p>
<p>The Commission is calling on heads of state and government across Europe to endorse the Recovery Plan at the European Council meeting on December 11-12.</p>
<p>For further information:<br />
<a
href="http://europa.eu/"
rel="external">europa.eu/</a><br />
<a
href="http://www.transportenvironment.org"
rel="external">www.transportenvironment.org</a></p>
<p>Related stories:<br />
<a
href="http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/i/1611/"
rel="external">UK Government’s Pre-Budget Report good news for energy efficiency (27-Nov)</a><br />
<a
href="http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/i/1551/"
rel="external">Europe puts the brakes on energy efficiency measures (7-Nov)</a><br />
<a
href="http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/eu/i/1333/"
rel="external">European Parliament U-turn on fuel efficiency standards (26-Sept)</a><br />
<a
href="http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/eu/i/1218/"
rel="external">European Parliament committee votes to water down fuel efficiency standards (3-Sept)</a><br />
<a
href="http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/eu/i/1207/"
rel="external">Car manufacturers stalling on CO<sub>2</sub> emission reductions (29-Aug)</a></p>
http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/i/1622/
2008-11-28T00:00:00-00:00EU policy, European Commission, transport, road, buildings, construction, Transport & Environment