New institutional framework for energy and climate policy by 2025

Key points

• The Communication is a complement to the fourth report on the State of the Energy Union. It focuses on the legislative framework for more democratic decision making in EU energy and climate policy as well as proposing that energy-related tax matters move from unanimity to qualified majority voting (with the accompanying ordinary legislative procedure).
• The EESC welcomes the proposal to use the passerelle clauses to establish a qualified majority in the Council and a co-decision system with the European Parliament. In this new set-up, the EESC could play an important role in supporting the trilogue and should be involved.
• While supporting the Communication, the EESC considers that efficient governance of the climate and energy strategy and greater coherence in EU legislation on energy taxation should take into account the concerns of European businesses, workers and other stakeholders, including consumers. The involvement and engagement of civil society, the support of Member States and the agreement and commitment of the social partners are important for the success of this process.