No 28/2015
24 April 2015
The European Economic and Social Committee urges the Commission for a
European Energy Dialogue
The EESC called for greater public participation in energy policy during the plenary debate on the
Energy Union with Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič on 22 April
The EESC opinion on the governance system/2030 climate and energy framework, adopted during
session, points out that successful implementation of the Energy Union and achievement of the
climate goals demand a governance system that is reliable, transparent and inclusive. Moreover,
emphasises the necessity of having a European Energy Dialogue that acts in parallel with the
framework to draw individuals and consumers into the energy transition.
the plenary
energy and
the opinion
governance
During the plenary debate with EESC members, Commission Vice-President Šefčovič 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," said Mr Šefčovič. "The Committee is ready to take the lead in making the European Energy
Dialogue happen," replied EESC member Richard Adams, rapporteur for the EESC opinion. At Mr Adams's
initiative, 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.
During the debate on the Energy Union, Mr Šefčovič pointed out 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. I will also be listening carefully to how our findings resonate with
them," Mr Šefčovič assured EESC members.
EESC president Henri Malosse welcomed the news and stressed the need for a truly European Energy Union
which will benefit European industrialisation, economic growth and consumers. Mr Malosse also pointed out the
importance of dialogue for trade policy and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) during
the EESC plenary debate with Commissioner Cecilia Malmström on 22 April. "European trade policy affects
every European and we should not be left out of it," he emphasised. Ms Malmström pointed out that the TTIP
entails benefits but also uncertainties and risks, which is why it is important to hold transparent discussions and
negotiations.
On 23 April, the Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs, Pierre Moscovici
briefed the EESC plenary session on three main EU economic priorities for the next few years: investments,
structural reforms and budgetary responsibility. In the ensuing debate, EESC members welcomed the Junker
Commission's goal of giving fresh impetus to the economy but at the same time pointed out the need to stop
the rising inequality among European citizens.
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_________________________________________________________________________________________
The European Economic and Social Committee represents the various economic and social components of organised civil society. It is an
institutional consultative body established by the 1957 Treaty of Rome. Its consultative role enables its members, and hence the organisations
they represent, to participate in the EU decision-making process. The Committee has 353 members from across Europe, who are appointed by
the Council of the European Union.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Rue Belliard/Belliardstraat 99 – 1040 Bruxelles/Brussel – BELGIQUE/BELGIË
Tel. +32 2 546 9779 – Fax +32 25469764
E-mail: press@eesc.europa.eu – Internet: www.eesc.europa.eu
Follow the EESC on