Non-existent European solidarity. The energy sector features among the European Union's weaknesses, not to say failures. Every member state acts according to its interests, which are far from coinciding - they are often contradictory, not to say in opposition to each other. Admittedly, the EU has gradually defined the rules for the internal management of energy sources, and the discipline that results is sometimes effective and useful. Nonetheless, the fundamental decisions are taken by the member states fully independently - without proceeding to consultations within the European framework. Sometimes there are not even any exchanges of information. A couple of examples amongst others are that the Community institutions learned through the radio or reading the press that Germany had renounced its nuclear energy, and that France had put its exploitation of shale gas to one side (on Wednesday Paris took a cautious step backwards). It is true that among the Community rules that already exist some are positive and effective, like those that target energy efficiency or setting up networks between the different national markets - even if these markets are still incomplete. Yet in relations with third country energy producers and exporters, every EU government acts on its own account. It is well known that Europe currently depends on imports for the lion's share of its needs.
Crucial changes are far from in the bag. Did Wednesday's European Council change this situation? Not really… At the most it could be said that the leaders that govern us expressed their intention on this. Nothing is in the bag. On the contrary, it was confirmed that the member states' positions differ not only with regard to imports coming from third countries but also in several aspects of internal policies - and sometimes there are differences of opinion within the same country. Some choices made in the past have turned out to be wrong and some mistakes have cost - and still do cost - very dear, even if those responsible for them avoid acknowledging this. However, the president of the European Commission, Mr Barroso, has called for a no regret scenario for the delays in implementing good policies, while adding that the status quo is not an option (see EUROPE 10850).
Examples of the problems to be resolved. What are these “good policies”? The best answer is that of the president of the European Council, Mr Van Rompuy - The least expensive, cleanest and safest energy is the energy we don't consume. For the rest, EUROPE 10850 has reported in detail on the results of the summit. They are more a programme than decisions. Rather than returning to them, let me remind you of a few aspects of the problems to be resolved.
(i) Aid to be reviewed. Subsidies for renewable energy (especially wind and solar energy) have been excessive, without taking enough into account that the wind does not blow all the time nor does the sun shine constantly - which has made parallel installations indispensable and the costs have become excessive. Customer demand is falling, the system has become too expensive and it must be reviewed.
(ii) American competition. The broad use of shale gas in the USA strengthens the competitive position of the American industry, which currently pays less than half the European price for electricity (which in itself is not uniform from one country to another).
(iii) Effects for the Gulf countries. The possible drop in European purchases of oil in these countries could influence the Gulf countries' purchases of big buildings, football teams and other riches - as well as their funding in conflicts like that in Syria. The possible reduction in the sale of oil to the EU or of gas from these regions could have political repercussions in the whole region.
Other essential points. The points mentioned above are only examples and there are many others. The relationship between energy efficiency and environmental precautions is fundamental, but difficult to establish. A European energy policy is easy (or relatively) to draw up, but it is very difficult to make concrete. The aspects of foreign policy go far beyond my example of the Gulf countries - suffice it to think about relations with Russia. The repercussions of how things develop for America with shale gas go much further than industrial competition. It is for good reason that Jacques Delors advocated a European Energy Community and, what is more, he features among the people who have taken a stance on the current situation. I will be returning to these different points.
(FR/transl.fl)