EU policies and funding tools for energy sustainability in Tourism Dr. Jan Geiss, Secretary General EUFORES – European Forum for Renewable Energy Sources “Enterprises for Green Tourism Development” Conference 9 May 2014, Albena, Bulgaria
EUFORES European Forum for Renewable Energy Sources “European Parliamentarians for a sustainable energy future” • • •
European Network of Members of Parliament for the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency (MEPs + MPs EU28) Forum for information and discussion among political decision makers and interface for exchange among MPs and related stakeholders Activities: – – – – –
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European Inter-Parliamentary Meetings Monthly meetings of the EUFORES MEP-Group in the European Parliament National parliamentary workshops Briefings of the EU Council Presidency Projects (Keep on track!, Energy-Efficiency-Watch etc.)
Board of Presidents: Claude Turmes, MEP, President Fiona Hall, MEP, Vice-President Anni Podimata, MEP, Vice-President EUFORES Extended Board – 20 MEPs Active Members in many national parliaments
Challenges of the energy systems • Climate & Environment • Energy Security and Geostrategic Implications (e.g. Ukraine & Russia) • Global markets, Jobs, Competitiveness, Innovation, Economic crisis • Long term cost development – internal and external cost, Affordability and Social inclusion • Smart resource allocation – domestic wealth
Sustainable Solutions • Sustainability: Economic, ecologic, social • Sustainable Options: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency • Electricity, heating & cooling, transport
EU Policies RES and EE • Renewables Directive and National RES Action Plans • Energy Efficiency Directive • European Performance of Buildings - EPBD • Labelling Directive • Etc.
Latest political situation • 2020: 20-20-20 targets – 20% RES on track now, but difficult without more ambition – 20% Efficiency: Only 17% expected including EED – 20% Greenhouse Gas Reduction: ETS non-functional
• 2030 discussion - Latest suggestions – European Commission disappointment – European Parliament leading (40%GHG, 40%EE, 30% RES) – Member States doubtful
• Outlook: stronger policies will come back
General challenges for sustainable tourism • Preserving natural and cultural resources • Limiting negative impacts at tourist destinations, including use of natural resources and waste production • Promoting the wellbeing of the local community • Reducing the seasonality of demand • Limiting the environmental impact of tourism related transport • Making tourism accessible to all • Improving the quality of tourism jobs.
Sustainable Energy and Tourism - Reasons and drivers • Competitiveness and Cost • Marketing and green sustainable service, quality holiday destinations • Ethical and business image • Economic development of regions – Business, jobs, society • Long-term investment perspective: – Compliance with recent and future legislation – Readiness for recent and future trends (energy cost, customer expectations etc.)
Sustainable Energy and Tourism - Actors and Supply Chain • • • • • •
Booking sites and travel agencies Transport companies Hotels & restaurants Political institutions Citizens and stakeholders Regions and Cities
EU funding options for energy sustainability in Tourism • Horizon 2020 – research and market uptake • Life programme (Financial Instrument for the Environment) • European Investment Bank Programmes • Structural Funds: RES and EE focus • Programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and SMEs - COSME • Connecting Europe Facility
Conclusions • Innovation, growth and competitiveness • Stable development of tourism sector avoiding bad surprises • Sustainability approach is: – best practice in business leadership – only successful choice in the future – Pays off
• Politics need to establish investment security and predictability – political leadership!
Thank you for your attention Dr. Jan Geiss Secretary General EUFORES – European Forum for Renewable Energy Sources Renewable Energy House, Rue d’Arlon 63-65 B-1040 Brussels T: +32 2 546 1948 - F: +32 2 546 1934 jan.geiss@eufores.org www.eufores.org www.energy-efficiency-watch.org www.keepontrack.eu