The EU's future climate and energy policy should be realigned to better take into account security of supply, economic competitiveness, as well as the social consequences of rising energy prices. Climate change is our foremost, long term challenge, but it has to be connected to economic competitiveness and affordability for both enterprises and consumers.
The European economic and social committee (EESC) therefore welcomes the commission's climate and energy package for 2030 and broadly agrees with the proposals. Europe needs to provide a stable, long-term framework for investment and a level playing field for industry within the EU and globally. The EESC supports, for example, the target of a 40 per cent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, as well as the common target of at least 27 per cent for the share of renewable energy sources. On some issues, however, we want to go further.
"Europe needs to provide a stable, long-term framework for investment and a level playing field for industry within the EU and globally"
The EESC urges decisive action without delay, including finally ensuring the full functioning of the internal energy market. Consultation, coordination, and cooperation between member states must be strengthened and even made mandatory before the making of far-reaching decisions. Decisive action by the EU needs to be taken to decrease the very high energy dependence on unreliable sources. A genuine European energy community would help to increase energy security and reduce prime costs.
Moreover, the EESC insists that a level playing field is set by phasing out harmful subsidies and scrutinising public support schemes. We also need to consider investments in other energy sources including nuclear energy or exploitation of unconventional hydrocarbons through fracking when member states decide to do so – as part of their right to decide on their energy mix. Full transparency, highest security standards, and comprehensive information of the population concerned have to be guaranteed.
Europe has a huge potential, and with the agreed three per cent of the GDP increased budget for research and development, energy efficiency techniques should have top priority. We have to consider sectorial targets for energy efficiency, for instance in the building sector, in order to tap the huge potential of this most promising way towards energy and climate policy goals.
"The debate on European energy policy has gradually shifted from purely technical and economic aspects to questions of social justice, inclusion, price and citizens' participation"
The debate on European energy policy has gradually shifted from purely technical and economic aspects to questions of social justice, inclusion, price and citizens' participation. This is a very positive development. The EESC has been a frontrunner in addressing such concerns: In our opinions, we have repeatedly called for more Europe in the fight against energy poverty, in what has to be a joint European strategy in the face of growing social exclusion due to the rising cost of energy.
Stakeholders and wider society should have regular opportunities to influence national and European energy strategies and their implementation. When designing the proposed national energy plans, member states shall involve civil society which brings in views from consumers and producers similarly. Small and medium sized enterprises already play an important role in energy efficiency measures, consumer groups are engaged in various energy savings actions. We need to talk to each other about where energy comes from and how we use it, now and in the future. This conversation needs to involve all aspects of energy supply and use. This is why the EESC is promoting the European energy dialogue as a new dialogue and cooperation platform able to bridge across member states' different energy policies.
The EESC considers the EU's emission trading system (ETS) a key instrument in EU climate and energy policy and supports the proposal to establish a market stability reserve aimed at achieving both the EU's climate objectives and maintaining our industrial competiveness. In this respect, the committee backs EU-wide support measures to avoid carbon leakage by energy-intensive industries – industries that could otherwise move abroad in search of laxer emissions controls.
In the transition to a low carbon economy, the proceeds of ETS auctions should be used to support efficient businesses and clean technologies. At the global level, the EESC considers it essential that the EU makes every effort to create a fully-fledged international carbon market, spreading efficient allowance trading mechanisms, open to all major partners across the world.
The international development of climate policy has to be on top not only of the European agenda, but also internationally. Europe can provide global leadership in securing an ambitious international agreement at next year's crucial conference of the parties to the United Nations framework convention on climate change in France. This requires speaking with one voice. Only then Europe's influence and leadership is big enough to hopefully also achieve a change internationally.
From the outcome of this conference our future political framework on climate and energy policy will be largely influenced and determined. The EU alone cannot save the planet – a comprehensive agreement is therefore paramount for the future of our globe.