A significant division among Czech Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) has emerged following the approval of the draft EU Renewable Energy Directive by the European Parliament. The directive, passed with 470 out of 630 MEPs voting in favor, elevates the EU’s binding renewable energy target for 2030 from the current 32% to a more ambitious 42.5%. Although these new targets have been informally negotiated with the European Council, formal approval by member states is pending.

Among the 21 Czech MEPs, opinions on the directive were split, reflecting diverse perspectives on the path to a greener future. Nine Czech MEPs supported the directive, four voted against it, five abstained from the vote, and three were absent during the decision.

Both Czech Pirates MEPs endorsed the directive, highlighting the digitization of the energy industry as a crucial element for more effective response to weather fluctuations and consumption changes. They also emphasized the potential ease of integrating new renewable sources into the energy network. This move toward strengthening renewables aims to reduce fossil fuel consumption and decrease energy imports, particularly from Russia.

On the other hand, MEPs from the Civic Democrats (ODS) expressed mixed opinions, with Evzen Tosenovsky abstaining from the vote and three others voting against it. Veronika Vrecionova voiced skepticism about the Czech Republic achieving the higher renewable energy target but supported streamlining administrative procedures for new renewable power plants.

MEP Ludek Niedermayer (TOP 09) supported the directive, highlighting its reasonable approach and the role of the Czech EU presidency in last year’s negotiations. The new EU-wide target will require member states to submit their revised commitments to the European Commission if the directive receives final approval.

MEPs from the ANO movement also held differing views, with two supporting the proposal and three abstaining from the vote. Meanwhile, MEPs from the Christian Democrats (KDU-CSL), Stanislav Polcak (STAN), and Radka Maxova (SocDem) endorsed the directive. However, MEP Katerina Konecna (Communists) voted against it, and the far-right Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) MEPs were absent during the decision.

The division among Czech MEPs reflects the ongoing debates within the EU about the ambitious goals and strategies needed to address climate change and transition toward a more sustainable energy future.

Article by Prague Forum