Energy policy and the labour market: consequences for employment in regions undergoing energy transitions

Background

The energy transition aims to transform the global energy sector from highly polluting fossil‑based systems of energy production to renewable energy sources. Due to the climate emergency and the current tectonic geopolitical and energy market shifts, it will have to shift into a much higher gear if i is to increase Europe's energy independence. However, the climate emergency and dependence on fossil fuels have a strong impact on the most vulnerable regions, economic sectors and population groups. Without specific policy actions supported by robust social dialogue, energy transitions could have a negative impact on employment of vulnerable groups and in regions particularly affected by the switch to renewables.

Key points

In the opinion, the EESC

• expresses concern about the serious negative, economic, occupational and social effects of the energy transition in the short and medium terms and says that the EU's plan for a green transition does not sufficiently take into account the effect of the transition on jobs;
• suggests that labour market policies should be linked to regulatory frameworks and environment and energy policies as well as social welfare policies. This would involve creating job incentives and reskilling programmes for workers while making sure everyone has access to energy services and a sufficient income. All of this should be achieved through social dialogue and collective bargaining, taking into account the countries' different industrial relations systems.
• The EESC expresses concern about the serious negative, economic, occupational and social effects of the energy transition in the short and medium terms. The EU's plan for a green transition does not sufficiently take into account the effect of the transition on jobs;
• suggests that labour market policies should be linked to regulatory frameworks and environment and energy policies as well as social welfare policies;
• believes that the actual experience of social dialogue and collective bargaining in relation to the energy transition at macro policy level is not positive. In most countries, the social partners are not sufficiently involved in devising and implementing policies related to the twin (digital and green) transitions.

The full text of the opinion can be found here.

Additional Information

Section: Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship (SOC)

Opinion Number : SOC/718

Opinion type: Own-initiative opinion

Rapporteur: Maria del Carmen Barrera Chamorrro

Reference : SOC/718-EESC-2022

Date of the adoption by section : 30/01/2023

Result of the vote in section : 65 in favour, 3 against, 17 abstentions

Date of adoption in plenary : 22 February 2023

Result of the vote in plenary : 123 in favour, 43 against, 20 abstentions

Contact:

Laura Lui    

Press officer

Tel.:+ 32 2 546 9189

email: laurairena.lui@eesc.europa.eu

Triin Aasma Gomes        

Policy officer

Tel.:+ 32 2 546 9254

email: Triin.AasmaaGomes@eesc.europa.eu