Energy and climate change tops the agenda for the EESC's next plenary session
At its upcoming plenary session (4-5 June, Charlemagne building, Brussels), the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) will hold a debate on energy and climate change in the presence of Günther Oettinger i, European Commissioner for Energy, and Jean-Pascal Van Ypersele, Vice-President of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) (4 June, 2.30 p.m.)
A second debate will deal with the European Citizens' Initiative "New Deal 4 Europe" (5 June, 10 a.m.). Philippe Grosjean (Vice-President of the ECI's Committee) will present the initiative to EESC members.
You can watch the plenary session live at: http://www.eesc.europa.eu
The full agenda is available here.
Opinions to be discussed and put to the vote during the plenary session:
Energy and Climate Change package
EU energy policy has to focus on energy security and affordability and it has to be connected with economic competitiveness and climate change goals. The EESC supports an ambitious international agreement on climate protection and its effective implementation. This has to finally determine the EU's future energy and environmental policy.
Following the debate on energy and climate change, the EESC will issue four opinions on energy and climate change-related subjects.
Policy Framework for Climate and Energy 2020 - 2030
The EESC is calling for a genuine involvement of civil society when drawing up national plans, coordinating national plans between Member States and holding mandatory consultations between neighbouring countries on infrastructure projects.
Energy prices and costs
The internal market has to be completed. Coordinated imports, diversification of suppliers and routes, and solidarity among Member States on the one hand, but also investment in new energy sources and more energy efficiency are important pillars to keep prices in check.
Exploration of hydrocarbons with fracking
Each Member State can decide on its own energy mix. Hydraulic fracking is a method for exploring energy sources which could not be tapped so far. Transparency, the highest safety standards and comprehensive information for the populations concerned are indispensable. Local communities should also get their financial share from royalties and excise taxes.
EU emission trading system (ETS)
The EU ETS is a key instrument of the EU's climate and energy policy and therefore the EESC calls for its genuine reform aimed at achieving both the EU's climate objectives for 2020 and 2030 while safeguarding our industrial competitiveness and avoiding investment leakage.
Transatlantic trade negotiations
In its new opinion, the EESC will support a successful TTIP, which it believes could be a significant factor in creating real growth and optimism. However, it is important that the benefits of TTIP are spread evenly throughout the business community and among workers, consumers and the general public.
Youth employment measures
Tackling youth unemployment is a top policy priority for the EESC. As the Committee is monitoring youth employment measures closely, it has compiled examples of best practices and will put forward recommendations based on current practices in the Member States.