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Finance Minister Lindner: Concern for social peace
Photo: Odd Andersen / AFP
The Buildings Directive for better energy efficiency is an important EU climate protection law, but it is met with enormous reservations by Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner. "I consider this directive to be enormously dangerous – not only with regard to the imperative of economic reason, according to which we should use money where it has the best effect on the climate in connection with our economic competitiveness," the FDP politician told the news portal "Politico". Also with regard to social peace, because people could get the impression that politics makes it difficult for them to live in their own four walls and to be able to pay for it«.
In Brussels, the legislative proposal on renovation obligations for old buildings is currently being discussed. This was presented by the EU Commission because, according to its information, buildings are responsible for around 40 percent of energy consumption and around a third of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU. If houses are better insulated or modern heating systems are used, this can reduce energy requirements.
There is criticism because of the fear that many homeowners could face high renovation costs. The EU member states and the European Parliament still have to find a compromise before the requirements can come into force.
The money is partly given to the wrong areas, criticized Lindner. In his opinion, the priority should rather be to lead the way in the energy supply sector in the transition of industry to climate friendliness. He is firmly convinced that the problem is not the availability of public capital, but the attractiveness of private capital. Lessons have been learned from the German Heating Act.
This Wednesday, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will deliver her annual State of the Union address in the European Parliament. Among other things, this is likely to involve the implementation of plans for more climate protection.
mik/dpa-AFX