Contradictions, lack of concrete answers, Energy Commissioner-designate Kadri Simson did not seem to convince MEPs on Thursday 3 October during her hearing before the members of the European Parliament's Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) and Environment Committees (ENVI).
Thus, when Peter Liese (EPP, Germany) asked her for her opinion on the refusal by Estonia – Ms Simson's country – to set the date of 2050 as the deadline for achieving climate neutrality at the European Union level (see EUROPE 12279/2), the latter evaded. Initially claiming that she was no longer part of the Estonian government, but a member of its parliament, she then replied that this issue had never been on the agenda of the plenary of the Estonian parliament (editor's note: coincidentally, the Estonian government today supported the objective of achieving climate neutrality in the EU by 2050).
The Finnish Ville Niinistö (Greens/EFA) asked the Commissioner-designate about the concrete measures she was considering to review the energy efficiency and renewable energy targets by 2030. Indeed, according to the MEP, the objective promoted by President-elect Ursula von der Leyen, of a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, remains insufficient in view of the Paris objectives (keeping the temperature increase below 2°C by 2100 and as close as possible to 1.5°C). Far from providing the MEP with concrete proposals, Ms Simson simply assured him that she was committed to keeping the same promises as Ms von der Leyen.
Objectives that are difficult to reconcile. Several of Ms Simson's responses also seemed contradictory to some members. So, while she has reiterated her commitment to climate neutrality by 2050, she has also supported the use of gas in energy production and investment in new pipelines.
Responding to Jutta Paulus (Greens/EFA, Germany), who asked her whether she would ensure that the principle of the primacy of energy efficiency was respected rather than support gas, particularly with regard to future European Investment Bank investments, Ms Simson assured that priority would be given to investments in renewable energies, energy efficiency, but also networks (including gas). According to her, the latter are necessary to ensure better connectivity.
In view of her answers, Marc Botenga (GUE/NGL, Belgium), for his part, expressed concern that young people's demand for ambitious climate action was not being heard. “It is clear that if you have one euro [...] and invest it in gas, which is hardly less polluting than oil, you aren’t putting it in renewables”, he insisted.
“You have the goal to make sure that Europeans have access to affordable, reliable, secure and clean energy. In my experience [in the private energy sector], I would say these goals are totally contradictory”, said Jessica Stegrud (ECR, Sweden).
Just Transition Fund. During the hearing, Ms Simson repeatedly stressed the importance of taking into account the characteristics of each Member State and helping countries whose economies are heavily dependent on fossil fuels, in particular coal, to make their energy transition. According to her, the new project for a just transition fund defended by the potential future Commissioner for Cohesion Policy and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, will have a leading role to play in this respect (see EUROPE 12340/3).
“Each Member State has a different energy mix, some are dependent on fossil fuels, others less so. It is important to be aware that some will need special support”, she said. And she continued, “The Just Transition Fund will make it possible to develop strategies for each Member State”.
She further stated that, should her application be accepted, she would work closely with Ms Ferreira on the implementation of this fund, as well as with Frans Timmermans, the Vice-President appointed to the ‘European Green Deal’.
Cooperation between Member States. In order to support the countries most dependent on fossil fuels and develop renewable energies, the Estonian also stressed the importance of encouraging Member States to cooperate closely, particularly with regard to the construction of new offshore installations.
To this end, she announced that she would work to develop a cooperation mechanism “so that several member countries can jointly build renewable installations, either offshore wind farms or solar installations”.
Nuclear. Asked by András Gyürk about the role of nuclear power in the energy transition, Ms Simson said that nuclear power would or would not be part of the future energy mix of Member States depending on their choice, with the determination of the energy mix being the responsibility of the countries and not of the EU.
However, she warned that care should be taken to ensure that nuclear power plants are safe for Europeans and our close neighbours.
In a statement issued after the hearing, the EPP group in the European Parliament found her performance “acceptable”, despite “mixed reactions”. (Original version in French by Damien Genicot)