Conference: 'Tackling energy poverty at the heart of the ecological and energy transition'

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Energy poverty has gradually emerged as one of the central policy issues. Recent evolution of the global context, together with its socio-economic consequences, is having a huge impact on the most vulnerable. Therefore, we must increase our efforts to address this pressing problem.

The current geopolitical crisis may appear overwhelming- we must seize opportunities to act, react and impact. In particular, the rise of inequalities cannot be addressed with a piecemeal approach. A real vision is needed. The EU is committed to developing a strategy for affordable, secure and sustainable energy that empowers its people and ensures fairness for the more fragile. This is the ambition that inspires us today and I am pleased to welcome all of you dear Members, dear guests and distinguished speakers to discuss this extremely important topic.

The dramatic events in Ukraine have been shocking to all Europeans; it is urgent to help the people who flee and who are in need. At the same time, significant strains are present in the global oil market, compounding difficulties in natural gas markets and creating a looming emergency for global energy security. Oil prices have swung violently since the Russian invasion, putting the still fragile and uneven global economic recovery at risk. Retail Gas prices have increased by +66% year-on-year at the end February 2022. Regarding electricity, retail prices went up by +30% year-on-year (data of Jan 2022). A prolonged period of volatility for markets appears likely. A careful approach is thus required to ensure that volatility does not harm the weaker in our society. Furthermore, immediate actions are warranted to mitigate the impact of higher prices on households, farmers, businesses and industry.

On 24 March the EESC Plenary adopted a Resolution on the War in Ukraine. We underlined the importance of reducing the EU’s energy dependency on third parties, in particular on Russia. In the same resolution the EESC stressed that the impacts of the war should not come to the detriment of climate action and sustainability, as provided for in the UN Agenda 2030. The sooner and more decisively we diversify our supply, accelerate the roll out of green energy technologies and reduce our demand of energy, the earlier we can succeed in fostering our sustainable development, while substituting Russian imports.

Energy poverty is a distressing problem affecting different categories of people in Europe. A combination of higher fossil fuel prices, transport and food prices exacerbates the pressure on low-income households, with increased risks of poverty.

Following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the case for a rapid clean energy transition has never been stronger and clearer. Furthermore, the occupation and attacks on Ukrainian nuclear plants has generated serious concerns in the European public opinion. Developments in energy markets in recent months, and especially the dramatic change in our security situation in recent weeks, require to increase Europe’s energy independence. Tackling energy poverty needs to be a priority under the National Recovery and Resilience Plans (NRRPs). Therefore, I would really like to underline that the green and digital transition must foster conditions for job creation that are fair and socially just, going hand in hand with the full implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights.

The current geopolitical context reminds us that the notion of strategic autonomy is strongly related to the security of our energy supplies. A number of EU initiatives going this direction. To make just few examples:

  • A significant part of the Fit for 55 measures focus on improving energy efficiency
  • The revision of the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED)
  • The revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)

All these actions and options must be implemented bearing in mind that solidarity with the most vulnerable must remain a priority!

As we underlined in the conclusions of the 2021 EESC conference on Energy Poverty, the energy transition is not just a technological matter – it is also a profoundly social and political challenge. This is a unique moment to take coordinated action, also in view of the current wave of solidarity and integration in Europe as a reaction to the war in Ukraine.

Dear ladies and gentleman,

Energy poverty reduction cannot be achieved without the active involvement of organised civil society. This Conference on "Tackling energy poverty at the heart of the ecological and energy transition", organised with the support of the French Presidency of the EU, is putting the focus on how to tackle energy poverty in the perspective of a socially fair and just transition towards a climate-neutral Union by 2050.

To conclude I would like to highlight our commitment to foster a sustainable, prosperous and socially just future to all European citizens. In this spirit, I wish you fruitful discussions.

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Conference: 'Tackling energy poverty at the heart of the ecological and energy transition'

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