Today the European Commission vice-president for the energy union, Maroš Šefčovič, for the first time took stock of the EU’s progress on a number of energy files under the energy union heading and informed the Council on what policy initiatives the Commission is planning for the coming year. His speech has been accompanied by a report which will be submitted to EU governments.
Commenting on vice-president Sefčovič's speech on the European Energy Union, Greenpeace EU climate and energy policy adviser Bram Claeys said:
“After months of industry lobbying, it’s not surprising Sefcovic's head is full of nothing but gas, gas, gas. Swapping coal for gas will keep the EU dependent on foreign oligarchs and dodgy regimes, and slow down the transition to clean home-grown renewable energy. Decarbonisation, energy independence and self-sufficiency in renewable energy production should be the focus of developing a European energy union.”
For more information, Greenpeace has published a briefing in which the environmental organization assesses the priorities and flaws of the energy union so far.
Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.