Adapting EU energy efficiency legislation in the light of Brexit

EESC opinion: Adapting EU energy efficiency legislation in the light of Brexit

Key points

  • The EESC welcomes the proposal to amend the EU legislation governing Energy Efficiency on the basis that the changes are necessary as a result of the UK leaving the EU. The EESC recognises that the changes are technical and welcomes the fact that they will enable the new EU of 27 members to continue plans to implement the Directive on energy efficiency and the regulation on the Governance of the Energy Union.
  • The EESC strongly recommends that the EU should take advantage of all opportunities to involve civil society in achieving energy efficiency objectives, including the process of amendments, as necessitated by Brexit. The Committee also recommends that EU Commission commits to introducing a comprehensive EU wide communication strategy, which ensures that the objectives of the Energy Efficiency Directive and the regulation on Governance of the Energy Union are met as a matter of urgency, especially after Brexit.
  • Finally, the EESC recommends that the Commission takes due care to ensure that there will be no unintended consequences in terms of budget or human rights as a result of these changes.