Energy Markets

KEY POINTS

• The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is asking for adjustments in the market design that do not undermine the basic objectives of a sustainable energy system, i.e. security of supply, reasonable costs and prices, and climate-neutrality. These adjustments should be compatible with preserving the functioning of the wholesale markets and the integrations of the internal energy market.

• While agreeing on the need for shared efforts on all sides, including the public sector, households and businesses, in reducing energy demand, we welcome current short-term measures like direct financial support to vulnerable consumers, SMEs and energy-intensive industries.

• The EESC finds that policymakers should enable people to become energy prosumers and support building up local energy communities, thus helping them to be more independent of common market prices. We wish to be part of the debate and impact analysis ahead of any follow-up action directly affecting consumers and civil society.