Discussions in the EU Council on the draft recommendation on ensuring a fair transition towards climate neutrality are progressing, according to a provisional compromise presented by the French Presidency of the EU Council (FPEU), dated 25 April and seen by EUROPE.
Not surprisingly, the document incorporates recent developments related to the Russian aggression against Ukraine, including the EU’s energy diversification project, the REPowerEU plan, which is due to be presented on 18 May (see EUROPE 12918/35).
In connection with the conflict, delegations underline the need to accelerate the energy transition to gain energy independence, while redoubling efforts to combat energy poverty.
Thus, with reference to the Versailles Declaration (see EUROPE 12906/3), the provisional document stresses the importance of solar, wind and other heat pump energies to achieve this transition, but also to drastically reduce the Union’s energy dependence on Russia. The text also draws a line, notably in the recitals, between the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and price volatility, reinforcing the phenomenon of energy poverty.
Other notable adjustments include the emphasis on taking account of territorial specificities, notably of the outermost regions and islands. In addition to topographical considerations, Member States highlight the situation of women, who are often more exposed to energy poverty (single parenthood, lower pensions).
In particular, the Member States add a point on occupational health risks in relation to the green transition. They insist that the follow-up of the different elements of this recommendation should not add to the administrative procedures in the framework of the ‘European Semester’ budget process.
National delegations will discuss the compromise text again on 2 May.
To consult the document: https://aeur.eu/f/1ee (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens and Damien Genicot)