Regrets the less-than-effective energy efficiency projects supported by the EU Structural Funds (2007 to 2013) as criticised by the Court of Auditors’ report; calls on the Commission to promptly implement the corresponding improvements with special emphasis on justification, monitoring, and shortening the payback period of projects funded; calls for improved guidelines and more intensive Commission monitoring with a view to making better use of the Structural Funds and EFSI in combination with private investments for viable energy efficiency projects, notably in buildings; considers that Structural Funds’ and EFSI funding of energy efficiency projects should target those consumers more sensitive to energy costs, such as in ...[+++]dustry at risk of carbon leakage, SMEs and households at risk of energy poverty; considers it an absolute priority to develop financing instruments, tools and innovative models to mobilise public funds and leverage private finance at local, national, regional and European level in order to support investments in key energy efficiency sectors such as the renovation of buildings, paying special attention to vulnerable groups and also due attention to the specificities of long-term investments.

It is vital that, as well as industrialised countries making absolute emission reductions, the economically more advanced developing countries, too, contribute adequately to reducing their emissions levels according to their responsibilities and capabilities, including by means of new and flexible types of obligation and increased cooperation on technology.

29. Insists, in this context, on the specific responsibility of developed countries to take the lead in reducing emissions; urges the US to reconsider its position as regards ratification of the Kyoto Protocol; calls, moreover, on the US to take vigorous domestic measures leading to absolute emission reductions and to play an active role in future international negotiations with a view to participating in the future climate change regime; welcomes regional cap-and-trade initiatives in the US and activities at state level leading to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; urges the US administration, the Commissi ...[+++]on, the Council and the Member States urgently to adopt effective measures in order to reduce the impact of aviation on climate change; calls for climate change to be regularly raised at interparliamentary delegation level and in the context of the Transatlantic Legislative Dialogue;

29. Insists, in this context, on the specific responsibility of developed countries to take the lead in reducing emissions; urges the US to reconsider its position as regards ratification of the Kyoto Protocol; calls, moreover, on the US to take vigorous domestic measures leading to absolute emission reductions and to play an active role in future international negotiations with a view to participating in the future climate change regime; welcomes regional cap-and-trade initiatives in the US and activities at state level leading to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; urges the US administration, the Commissi ...[+++]on, the Council and the Member States urgently to adopt effective measures in order to reduce the impact of aviation on climate change; calls for climate change to be regularly raised at interparliamentary delegation level and in the context of the Transatlantic Legislative Dialogue;

29. Insists, in this context, on the specific responsibility of developed countries to take the lead in reducing emissions; urges the US to reconsider its position as regards ratification of the Kyoto Protocol; calls, moreover, on the US to take vigorous domestic measures leading to absolute emission reductions and to play an active role in future international negotiations with a view to participating in the future climate change regime; welcomes regional cap-and-trade initiatives in the US and activities at state level leading to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; urges the US administration, the Commission ...[+++], the Council and the Member States urgently to adopt effective measures in order to reduce the impact of aviation on climate change; calls for climate change to be regularly raised at interparliamentary delegation level and in the context of the Transatlantic Legislative Dialogue;

21. Insists, in this context, on the specific responsibility of developed countries to take the lead in reducing emissions; urges the US to reconsider its position as regards ratification of the Kyoto Protocol; calls, moreover, on the US to take vigorous domestic measures leading to absolute emission reductions and to play an active role in future international negotiations with a view to participating in the future climate change regime; welcomes regional cap-and-trade initiatives in the US and activities at state level leading to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions;