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Below are highlights from a letter sent by Herman Van Rompuy, president of the European Council and Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission to Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary General on the EU’s comprehensive Climate and Energy Framework.

‘The fight against climate change is one of Europe’s main priorities. That’s why in March this year, as we mentioned when we had the opportunity to discuss this issue with you, the EU committed to submit its contribution to the conclusion of the global climate agreement well before the 2015 Paris Conference, at the latest by the first quarter of 2015.

‘Today, we are pleased, and even proud, to inform you that the Union will hold its commitment. At today’s European Summit, the European Council agreed on a comprehensive Climate and Energy Framework for the period 2020 – 2030, in line with the EU’s objective for 2050; an agreement which sets Europe on the most ambitious climate and energy path.

‘Today, European leaders endorsed a binding EU target of at least 40% domestic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990, to be partially achieved by strengthening our cap and trade approach in an EU wide Emissions Trading System. Europe is on track to deliver its 2020 targets. With today’s agreement, we keep the pace.

‘European leaders also adopted a binding EU level target of at least 27% for the share of renewable energy consumed in the EU in 2030. In practical terms, this means that Europe will double the share of clean energy.

‘Finally, they also agreed on an indicative target of at least 27% to improve energy efficiency in 2030, with the possibility to review this level up to 30%. This will also contribute, in a cost effective manner, to lowering our carbon emission reductions.

‘Climate change is accelerating. Now is the time to act, and we hope that the agreement reached by Europe can give a renewed momentum to the international negotiations, building on the very successful Climate Summit you convened in New York last September. Europe shall continue to play its part, leading by example. All countries, including all major economies, should now follow suit and equally make ambitious and timely pledges. We will continue to support your efforts, through the UNFCCC process, to reach a durable global climate agreement at the climate conference in Paris. For the sake of our planet. For the sale of future generations…’

Edited from letter by

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