Making energy secure, affordable and sustainable - Energy union package

The global challenges posed to the energy system of the European Union (EU) require that EU countries unite and work together to ensure that energy becomes secure, affordable and sustainable for consumers.

ACT

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the European Investment Bank - A framework strategy for a resilient energy union with a forward-looking climate change policy (COM(2015) 80 final of 25 February 2015)

SUMMARY

WHAT DOES THIS COMMUNICATION DO?

It sets out the strategy behind the EU’s proposed energy union package. As energy in the EU is regulated at national level, the aim of the energy union is to transform the EU’s energy system that currently comprises 28 national frameworks into one EU-wide framework.

KEY POINTS

The communication sets out 5 main dimensions underlying the energy union’s strategy to bring greater security, sustainability and competitiveness.

Security of supply

To ensure security of energy supply, the EU needs to:

• diversify energy sources, including using its indigenous sources more efficiently;
• work closely with its neighbours (including 8 non-EU countries that are members of the Energy Community) in times of energy shortages or crises;
• create a body responsible for collective purchasing of gas during a crisis.

Emissions reduction

The EU energy targets to the year 2030 include a 40 % reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from 1990 levels. Actions needed to achieve this include:

• reviewing the EU’s emissions trading scheme (ETS) and encouraging investment in new technologies and infrastructure;
• becoming a world leader in renewable energy, such as solar and wind power.

A fully integrated internal market

Completing a fully integrated EU internal energy market will be achieved through:

• more interconnectors between EU countries to encourage fast and free energy flow;
• increased work and maintenance on essential infrastructure;
• greater competitiveness between suppliers that should allow for lower prices.

Energy efficiency

The EU believes that reductions in energy consumption will reduce energy imports, reduce pollution and increase preservation of domestic energy resources. The communication particularly stresses the need for increased investment and awareness of the potential of energy savings in the building and transport sectors.

Research and innovation

The EU envisages breakthroughs in low-carbon technologies. These should be achieved through coordinating research and financing projects in partnership with the private sector.

For more information, see energy union on the European Commission’s website.

last update 26.08.2015