Brussels, 27/04/2015 (Agence Europe) - At a plenary session debate with Commission Vice-President with responsibility for energy union Maros Sefcovic on Wednesday 22 April, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) called for greater public participation in energy policy, urging the Commission to put in place genuine dialogue between stakeholders.
The EESC opinion on the governance system/2030 climate and energy framework, drafted by Richard Adams (Various Interests Group, UK) and adopted during the plenary session, points out that successful implementation of the energy union and achievement of the energy and climate goals demand a governance system that is reliable, transparent and inclusive. Moreover, it emphasises the need for a European energy dialogue that acts in parallel with the governance framework to draw individuals and consumers into the energy transition.
During the plenary debate, Sefcovic defined the Energy Union as a “triple win” strategy which will benefit European citizens, the economy and the environment. “I know how important the EESC is in reaching out to civil society and this is where I would like to get your support for the Energy Union”, he said.
“The Committee is ready to take the lead in making the European energy dialogue happen”, replied Adams. It was on his initiative that the EESC has developed an ambitious plan to facilitate public participation in the field of energy policy, in the form of a European energy dialogue. The plan should enable all stakeholders to understand energy challenges and the trade-offs that are needed, to take individual action and to contribute to energy policy choices.
Sefcovic stressed the need to provide consumers with more choice in terms of energy suppliers and more control over their energy bills by making the market structure more competitive. He also highlighted the need for European companies to spend less on energy to make them more competitive on the global market and the need to fight climate change. “Over the next few weeks, I will be launching my Energy Union Tour when I will discuss our findings with national governments, industry, civil society organisations and the general public”, he said.
EESC President Henri Malosse stressed the need for a truly European energy union which will benefit European industrialisation, economic growth and consumers. (Emmanuel Hagry)