L-R: Peter Altmaier, Minister of the German Economy; Etienne Schneider, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Economy; Credit: MECO

On 19 April 2018, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Economy, Étienne Schneider, attended the Energy Council of the European Union in Sofia, partly devoted to the discussion of renewable energy targets and energy efficiency by 2030.

In his speech, the Deputy Prime Minister proposed to return to the objectives of 27% by pleading for more ambition by setting targets of at least 35% in terms of energy to reach by the year 2030. Etienne Schneider commented: "Instead of spending a billion euros a day to meet its gas, oil and uranium bills, Europe should invest this amount in the savings of energy, renewable energy production and the energy infrastructure of the future. This approach will also enable us to meet our commitments in the fight against climate change."

He also called for greater vigilance in the field of biofuels and insisted on strengthening the political dimension of the Energy Union with a central role for the European Council and the European Parliament.