Kelly Welcomes Commissioner’s Commitment to an Investment-Backed Energy Framework

Sean Kelly, MEP for Ireland South and Leader of the Fine Gael Delegation in the European Parliament, today secured a commitment from Commissioner-designate Dan Jørgensen to establish a secure, investment-friendly post-2030 Climate and Energy framework aimed at achieving Europe’s 2040 climate targets.

During Jørgensen’s confirmation hearing, Kelly emphasized the urgent need for a clear policy framework that facilitates the investment required to transition to a Net-Zero electricity system in the 2030s.

He stated, “If we are to achieve our 2040 targets, we must deliver an electricity system that is either at, or very close to, Net Zero by the end of the next decade. This will bring fundamental changes to how our electricity system operates and how prices are determined. We must create the necessary policy environment to support investors, ensuring they have the confidence to commit funds to the large-scale projects that will drive this transformation.”

Kelly asked the Commissioner-designate to outline the process and timeline for delivering the post-2030 Climate and Energy framework. In response, Jørgensen acknowledged the importance of crafting a well-structured plan that includes stakeholder involvement throughout the development and implementation phases. He committed to engaging with stakeholders at every step to ensure the framework meets the needs of those affected by these policies.

Kelly pressed further, highlighting the importance of competitiveness and investment security. “The large-scale projects we need often have delivery timelines of ten or more years, and will be operational for more than thirty years; we must prioritize long-term certainty and visibility for those making these investments. Without this clarity, securing the money required becomes a major challenge.”

Jørgensen recognized the need for financial security within the framework and acknowledged that private investors, including institutional investors and pension funds, are eager to support the green transition but often hesitate due to uncertainties. He stressed that while public funding alone cannot finance the entire energy transition, it can be strategically used to de-risk private investments and create a more stable investment environment.

Kelly concluded by welcoming the commitment to a collaborative strategy, stating, “We need this kind of approach—one that uses limited public funding strategically to de-risk and multiply private investment. If Europe is to reach its 2040 climate goals, we must build a clear, collaborative pathway forward.”