Keep the Target - Keep Europe's renewable energy target

Keep Europe’s Renewable Energy Target

Europe has a winning formula. Let’s keep it.

#KeepTheTarget

Keep Europe’s Renewable Energy Target

Renewables are one of Europe’s greatest success stories.

They are now the cheapest source of electricity, supporting millions of jobs, boosting competitiveness and strengthening Europe’s energy security.

Europe’s renewable energy sectors employ more than 1.8 million people directly and 4.5 million indirectly. They contribute over €150 billion to the EU economy and drive more than €200 billion in demand for EU-produced materials such as steel, aluminium, copper, and cement.

Renewable energy is fundamental to Europe’s resilience and independence.

Against the backdrop of geopolitical instability and conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East, homegrown renewable energy has helped shield Europe from volatile international fossil fuel markets and strengthen its energy sovereignty.

And Europeans agree. 88% support expanding renewable energy.

A key reason for this success has been the Renewable Energy Directive and its binding renewable energy target.

These targets have provided clear direction, attracted investment, stimulated innovation, and given every Member State a shared objective.

Today, discussions on Europe’s post-2030 energy framework are underway, and the EU-wide renewable energy target for 2040 is at risk of being weakened or removed altogether.

That would be a mistake.

Targets and frameworks deliver results. They provide visibility to investors and supply chains, strengthen industrial competitiveness.

Setting a clear direction of travel for renewables deployment will be at the core of any successful strategy to blunt the catastrophic effects of climate change and prevent another fossil-driven energy crisis. All renewable technologies will be needed and matched by a strong shift to electrification across building, industry, heat and transport.

We call on EU leaders to keep a binding and ambitious EU-wide renewable energy target for 2040, supported by concrete measures to drive electrification uptake.

Let’s not abandon a strategy that is working. Let’s build on Europe’s renewable energy success story.

1.8 million

Europeans work in renewable energy

200+ MW

of new renewable capacity added every day across the EU

49.9%

of EU electricity is renewable

€146 M

a day in EU gas imports avoided every day by solar

Why we support a renewables target for Europe

We support #KeepTheTarget:

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A renewable energy target is more than a number. It sets a destination and helps us stay the course. Europeans are clear about where they want to go, and it's on us to make sure Europe gets there.

Nicolás González CasaresMember of European Parliament

With a binding renewable energy target we send Europe on a clear path. We create certainty for investors, companies, and entrepreneurs and with it a promise for a better future.

Anna StürgkhMember of European Parliament

We cannot control global fossil fuel markets, but what we can do is decide how much power they have over us. Every new renewable energy project reduces our dependence on fossil fuels, strengthens our resilience and security, and puts more of Europe's future in European hands.

Sigrid FriisMember of European Parliament

An ambitious 2040 target is vital if we want to keep momentum and continue to deploy renewable energy across the EU at scale. Targets are proven to work and have enabled us to get to a stage where almost half of all electricity in the EU was generated with renewables in 2025.

They help to ensure that renewable auctions are held regularly, grid capacity is allocated in a timely manner, and projects are prioritised in the permit-granting process. This is the type of certainty and visibility we can and must provide to renewable energy investors if we want to accelerate the transition to energy independence.

Sean KellyMember of European Parliament

The EU's renewable energy target is more than just a climate target, it is an industrial strategy. It gives businesses and investors the certainty they need to invest in clean technologies, grids and European manufacturing, while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. If we want affordable energy, greater energy security and a competitive European industry, we need a clear direction beyond 2030. That is why Europe must keep an ambitious and binding renewable energy target for 2040.

Benedetta ScuderiMember of European Parliament

An ambitious 2040 target is a choice for future prosperity in Europe. It means good jobs, affordable energy, innovative technologies, and independence from fossil fuels that we need to import every day. All of that, and better future for our planet: what's not to like?

Bruno Tobback Member of European Parliament

Who is behind the campaign?

Keep Europe’s Renewable Energy Target is a joint campaign by SolarPower Europe and WindEurope, bringing together two of Europe’s leading renewable energy industries.

Together, we represent the companies, people and technologies driving Europe’s energy transition. Our message is simple: Europe has made real progress. Now is not the time to lower its ambition.