Brussels, 30/05/2012 (Agence Europe) - The progress made by the EU and some of its member states towards a low-carbon economy is, in the view of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), dangerously short of the current energy objectives. Europe needs to pick up the pace, the EESC warns.
In its opinion, published on 29 May, on the energy roadmap 2050, which was presented late last year by the Commission (see EUROPE 10517), the EESC argues that the EU is struggling to grasp how far behind it really is on its climate objectives. “The decline of heavily polluting production processes in the EU, their growth in other parts of the world and subsequent import into the EU disguise the extent of the shortfall”, says rapporteur Pierre Jean Coulon (Workers' Group, France). Although it is not pushing for new long-term objectives for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions - 80-95% by 2050 according to the Commission's proposal - the EESC does plead for clear medium-term objectives which, if they are properly overseen, will steer the progress over the coming years. Additionally, given the time needed for the implementation of and yield on energy investments, which may take decades, the EESC recommends indicative objectives for 2030. It also feels that the carbon emissions pricing system is “too low and volatile to give a useful signal to investors”.
Also arguing that improvements to energy efficiency are not happening quickly enough, the EESC believes that the EU must step up its action to establish common standards for energy efficiency in all sectors. As regards renewables, the EESC cites unsteady government support and local resistance as major barriers to their development. The EESC is particularly dismayed at the slow pace of the modernisation of grid and energy storage facilities. “Reaching the 2050 renewable targets will require very determined and consistent political leadership”, stresses Coulon. In the short term, the investment needed to meet these targets will lead to energy price increases and extra costs for consumers and businesses, making it all the more urgent to ensure that these are fully costed, debated and accepted by all concerned; in the longer term, it will make the EU more resilient and competitive globally than if it simply continues with present policies. “Public acceptance of energy choices is a challenge for Europe's democracies today”, stresses Richard Adams (Various Interests Group, United Kingdom), co-rapporteur. The roadmap 2050 must be used not only to launch the widest possible debate amongst Europeans, but also to promote engagement at every level - personal, regional, national and EU, says Adams. In conclusion, the EESC reiterated its call for the establishment of a European civil society forum to boost the flow of information within the EU by regularly bringing together all stakeholders to discuss energy transition. (EH/transl.fl)