Brussels, 20/01/2012 (Agence Europe) - The plan to set up a European energy community, argued for by Jacques Delos, has won the strong backing of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).
In an opinion delivered on 18 January, the EESC, a consultative body representing civil society in the EU, backed the idea put forward by Jacques Delors of putting in place a European energy community (EEC) to help the EU recover its lost momentum in completing the internal energy market and shaping a common, strategic approach to energy issues.
Concerned by the slow progress in completing an internal market for electricity and gas, the EESC pointed out that only 10% of electricity transits between countries, consumers are unable to choose an operator established abroad possibly offering more attractive terms, energy poverty is increasing, and network planning is a largely national business. Furthermore, it bemoaned, the EU does not negotiate with supplier countries as a single bloc, putting member states and the EU at a disadvantage.
In a bid to build an integrated EU energy market, the EESC stressed the importance of a joint approach to energy production, transmission and consumption, and called on member states to act “responsibly”. It vented its frustration with some countries' unilateral decisions on energy choices, saying that, “in a spirit of solidarity and efficiency”, such decisions should, instead, have been taken “by common accord at EU level”. It also warned against prematurely ditching any low-emission energy source as that might jeopardise the EU's energy policy objectives and possibly compromise European energy policy objectives. This is a very clear message on the decision to no longer use nuclear energy, as is planned by Germany, in particular.
As a first step towards a European energy community, the EESC backed the idea of creating regional energy blocs within which countries and operators would coordinate their key decisions on energy mix and network development. This would generate considerable economies of scale and industrial development linked to new energy sources, argued rapporteur Pierre Jean Coulon (Employees' Group, France). Additionally, it would also lead to a gradual integration of hitherto separate markets and cause prices to align, he said. With budgets squeezed and the development of new energy sources becoming ever more expensive, the EESC felt it was crucial to pool national resources and channel them towards projects that are in keeping with the EU's objectives. It also favoured using bonds to finance these projects.
The EESC backed Delors' idea of creating a European gas purchasing group to strengthen the bargaining power of member states and companies. Former Commission President Delors suggests establishing a common supply structure for gas and other fuels that would ensure consistency in negotiations and contribute to reducing prices. The EESC was of the view that the European Commission was best placed to negotiate energy agreements with third countries on behalf of member states, should these agreements have an impact on several EU countries. The Commission should also be allowed to ensure that national energy deals with third countries are in line with EU internal market rules and security of supply objectives before they come into force, said the Commission.
Given the all-encompassing impact of energy decisions, the public could not be left out of the debate, said the EESC. It therefore proposed setting up a European civil society forum, tasked with monitoring energy issues. The forum would work closely with European institutions and establish dialogue mechanisms with civil society representatives in member states.
Moving towards a European energy community will be discussed at a conference organised in Brussels, by the EESC and Notre Europe think tank on 31 January. Taking part in the debate will be EESC President Staffan Nilsson, Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger, European Parliament President Martin Schulz and Jacques Delors. (EH/transl.rt)