CEEP Priorities on the Implementation of the Energy Union presented to Vice-President Šefčovič

During the second consultation of the cross-sectoral social partners on the Energy Union by Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič, Valeria Ronzitti, CEEP General Secretary, highlighted the following points, with a particular focus on the implementation of the Energy Union and the framework condition public services providers and employers need to operate effectively and efficiently:

Anticipation of change and development of skills:

“Anticipation and management of change is a key priority. To properly achieve it, our members need a stable regulatory framework. Investing in recruitment, training and social programmes is cost-intensive, and can only be done if there is a stable future for the enterprise at the horizon. We welcome that this specific aspect was also underlined by the European Commission.”

Inclusion of Social Partners in drafting national energy plans:

“Considering the potential for growth and job creation of the Energy Union, we are pleased to read the suggestions made to Member States to “discuss with social partners the consequences of the energy transition”. This recommendation should now also be clearly included in the guidelines for the reporting exercise presented in the State of the Energy Union. This would truly endorse the jobs and growth dimensions of the Energy Union as social partners know what is feasible and where the barriers and opportunities are.”

Heating and Cooling strategy, as a key steps towards the 2030 climate and energy targets:

“As heating and cooling account for half of Europe’s final energy demand, we would very much welcome if the upcoming strategy (as announced in the State of the Energy Union) sends out a clear signal in favour of resource-efficient and sustainable solutions. The European Commission already called for it in the State of the Energy Union, among others by underlining the very good example of high-efficiency combined heat and power (CHP). This would recognise the sector’s major importance for the achievement of the 2030 climate and energy targets. This strategy also should ensure that European policies are aligned, in particular competition, energy and climate policies.”

Decarbonisation of transport and promotion of public transport systems:

“If we want to decarbonise our economy as a whole, we have to put the focus on the key role of transport and finally have a fair competition between transport providers. Currently, some of the least carbon-intensive transport modes, such as local public transport and rail, are the most disadvantaged. We call for the quick realisation of the principle of internalisation of external costs.

We also plead for a stronger focus on public transport, which has to become the backbone of urban mobility and is the most resource-efficient way of travelling. Doubling the use of public transport should be the objective and would mean a major contribution to the decarbonisation of the whole society.”

The Energy Union as a push for an ambitious COP21 agreement:

The State of the Energy Union should also be seen as an instrument for the EU negotiators to lead to a successful and ambitious COP21 agreement, including binding and regularly reviewed commitments. CEEP adopted a position paper taking over those elements “Contribution of Public Services’ Providers to Climate Action for a Successful and Ambitious COP21”.