Local governments are key drivers of the future European Energy Union
As both energy producers and consumers, local and regional authorities are crucial to help creating a European Energy Union that is resilient and competitive. Their full involvement is essential for the success of this project, something which should be reflected through their participation in the energy regulatory authorities at national and European levels. This is what emerges from the position of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) on the Energy Union package adopted today, which also calls for a European definition of energy poverty and for ambitious action to promote smart grids.
Last February the European Commission launched one of its flagship initiatives: its strategy for the creation of a European Energy Union intended to give Europe a secure, affordable, competitive and climate-friendly supply of energy. According to the CoR rapporteur Pascal Mangin (FR/EPP), Member of Alsace Regional Council, “ The Energy Union is a tremendous opportunity to reshape energy policy at the European level. By taking account of the involvement of local and regional authorities and operators and of Member States' powers, the EU aims to offer energy at competitive prices to our fellow citizens and companies, while making the Union less reliant on fossil fuels. The Committee of the Regions intends to participate fully in this work through the expertise and capacity for action of the authorities it represents" . This is the aim of the opinion adopted at today’s CoR plenary session.
Engage local governments — to ensure that the territorial dimension is incorporated into the future Energy Union, the CoR calls for local and regional authorities to be represented in national regulatory authorities and in the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators. The CoR also wishes to be involved in the work of the Energy Infrastructure Forum that the Commission will be setting up in the near future. The CoR in addition suggests considering the creation, in close cooperation with the Covenant of Mayor, of a "territorial forum" that would draw together local initiatives, disseminate best practices and encourage innovative financing.
Energy efficiency and funding at local level — the CoR welcomes the priority attached to improving energy efficiency but emphasises that this requires sound financial tools and a favourable regulatory environment for projects carried out at the local level. The CoR therefore calls for funds and financial instruments from the EU and the EIB to support not only large infrastructure projects but also smaller projects, whilst taking into account their added value for local authorities.
Putting consumers at the heart of the strategy — the CoR draws attention to the needs of vulnerable consumers and therefore calls for a common definition of energy poverty and for European indicators in order to develop targeted policies for each region or territory. The Committee also emphasises the need for concerted action on smart grids and smart metering, as tools to benefit consumers.
Key role of research and innovation — The CoR acknowledges the strategic role of innovation in energy technology with a view to the successful decarbonisation of the EU's energy system. It reiterates that innovation and research in renewable energies, soft mobility, the modernisation of existing energy infrastructure and the construction of smart electricity plants should be promoted at the local level.
Further information:
“ Energy Union package — CoR draft opinion (the consolidated version incorporating amendments will be available in the next few days)
Strategy Framework for an Energy Union
Photo gallery of the plenary session
Press contact:
Nathalie Vandelle
Tel. +32 2 282 24 99