Brussels, 08/03/2006
‘Faced with the challenge of climate change, in particular in the context of globalisation, it is essential for us to ensure independence in terms of energy and the security of supplies', stated John Monks.
With that in mind, it is fundamentally important to ensure the right of access to the energy service for all, and this implies the existence of a European public service. Other elements likewise need to be taken into account:
- progress towards self-sufficiency in terms of supply, notably via an external policy guaranteeing the linkage between economic trade, fundamental rights and democracy;
- the struggle against global warming caused by the intensive use of fossil fuels;
- the management of resources threatened with exhaustion;
- the avoidance of the inflationary impact of energy on salaries.
‘Four priorities need to guide the European Union', continues John Monks: ‘the reinforcement of public control and democracy in the energy sector; the reduction of energy consumption; securing the supply side and diversification in the energy on offer'.
However, the ETUC General Secretary deplores the fact that the green paper fails to take account of the social dimension of energy policy, which is at odds with the fundamental objectives of the constitutional treaty. Agreement on the various measures to be proposed will depend largely upon account being taken of the positive and negative social impacts in terms of prices and access to the energy service as well as jobs. The only way for Europe's energy system to be sustainable is if it has a clearly identified social content which is supported by appropriate social policies.
The ETUC considers that it is essential for a broad debate to be launched on these questions. John Monks explains that the ETUC is ready to play its part in this debate, especially since the debate should lead to some concrete and swift proposals designed to deliver common responses at the European level.