Analyzing Polish and Czech hard coal-mining trade unions and heir positions towards EU climate and energy policy

Abstract

"Climate and energy policy has developed into one of the most important common EU policies. In December 2008, general objectives known as the Climate and Energy 20-20-20 Package were approved by the European Council. It is a set of legally binding acts to ensure that the EU achieves three targets by the year 2020: a 20% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (from 1990 levels), 20% energy from renewable sources, and a 20% improvement in energy efficiency.1 At three meetings in 2014, the Council discussed and reaffirmed the EU’s efforts to combat climate change and adopted the EU’s framework goals by 2030. The goals for renewables and energy efficiency were revised upward in 2018 and now stipulate at least 40% cuts in greenhouse gas emissions (from 1990 levels), at least a 32% share of renewable energy (originally 27%), and at least a 32.5% improvement in energy efficiency (originally 27%). In 2018, the European Commission submitted a proposal for a Multiannual Financial Framework for 2021–2027, proposing a target of 25% of the entire EU budget for climate goals (European Commission, 2018)." (fragm.)