Unlocking the potential of the energy sector in the EU’s partner developing countries by addressing the lack of access to energy, by increasing energy efficiency and renewable energy production and by contributing to global efforts against climate change are the three objectives pursued by the EU and its member states to help achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
The Council of Ministers of the EU states this in conclusions on energy and development adopted without debate on the sidelines of the Foreign Affairs Council, meeting in Brussels on Tuesday 22 May in its development configuration.
The Council stresses that access to energy is crucial to the eradication of poverty as is the energy transition, to delivery on the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. It also calls on all players to focus their support – which necessitates appropriate social policy instruments – on poor and on geographically vulnerable areas.
The Council also states clearly that energy poverty and its consequences are among the deep-rooted causes of irregular migration, since those affected are forced to seek means of subsistence elsewhere.
To promote sustainable energy as a way to achieve the SDGs, the conclusions highlight the importance of developing synergies between different sectors. It recommends that particular attention be given to synergies between energy and the eradication of poverty, gender equality, employment, the development of sustainable agriculture, food security, education, health, access to safe drinking water and sanitation, peace and security, movement of refugees or other displaced people.
Similarly, the Council underlines the importance of ensuring equal access to energy between men and women and of further supporting the empowerment of women, girls and young people in the energy sector, whether this be in entrepreneurship, education, training or access to financial resources. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)