On 21st May 2013, Members of European parliament adopted the report ?Current challenges and opportunities for renewable energy in the European internal energy market?. Zofija Mazej Kukovič (EPP/SDS), rapporteur on the opinion of Environment, Public Health and Food safety committee (ENVI) highlighted current challenges and opportunities of renewable energy sources.

?Renewable energy sources are real opportunity for Europe in the world, opportunity for job creation, opportunity to reduce Europe?s energy dependence?, emphasised Mazej Kukovič in her speech in Strasbourg.

In opinion Mazej Kukovič calls on the Commission to propose reasonable binding 2020 targets, which would consider shares of energy produced from renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, clean technologies by conventional energy sources and CO2 storage. Furthermore, she especially pointed out the necessity to develop energy infrastructure, to enable renewable energy to be incorporated more comprehensively.

In the next decade approximately half of power plants in the EU will need to be replaced. Modernisation of transmission and distribution systems, based on high technology and information systems is also needed. Appropriate investment in infrastructure and geographically balanced renewable energy sources will contribute not only to job creation, but also to quality of life.

?We can tell citizens, that we support health of environment, human health and also competitiveness of industry, which can offer people jobs, especially in time of this economic crisis?, ended Mazej Kukovič..