The pace of transformation towards the Energy Union needs to step up significantly if we are to meet the 2050 EU energy and climate objectives, but overlooking the social and economic situation in individual Member States could be dangerous, argues the EESC in a recent opinion.

Lack of consideration for the social and economic conditions in the different Member States could jeopardise social acceptance of investment and reforms aimed at accelerating the energy transition, stresses the EESC.

In the opinion, drafted by Lutz Ribbe and adopted at the March plenary session, the EESC sets out its position on the 2020 reports on the State of the Energy Union and the Assessment of National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs), saying that, although the energy and climate objectives for 2020 have largely been met, this should not lead to complacency.

The objectives for the next 30 years, starting with the 2020s, must be much more ambitious and really put Europe's people at the core of the Energy Union.

Mr Ribbe said: "Energy transition is at risk if politicians promise participation for broad swathes of society, but in reality do not take that promise seriously and do not put it into practice." (mp)