Brussels, 30/11/2012 (Agence Europe) - While the exact number of people affected by energy insecurity is very difficult to establish, with estimates ranging from 50 million to 125 million in Europe, it is easier to determine who is directly affected. The most fragile sections of the population, such as the elderly, low wage earners or the unemployed, form the majority of those at risk. Today they are faced with regular increases in gas and electricity prices and a general increase in the risk of poverty.
To try to address energy insecurity, the European Local Action & Social Inclusion Network (ELISAN) has brought forward a list of the measures that should be adopted by the EU. The list was presented after a European Economic and Social Committee conference on Tuesday 27 November. To ensure access to what is seen by the network as a key necessity, the EU must: adopt a definition and indicators of exactly what constitutes energy insecurity common to all member states; adopt cross-cutting policies for tackling the problem (energy, employment, housing); allow local government to make use of support from cohesion policy between 2014 and 2020; foster innovation and encourage the exchange of best practice; bring forward a European framework of minimum standards for ensuring energy efficiency, when 60% of housing in the EU has been built with no insulation or heating norms. (JK/transl.fl)