The Parliament: Commission guide: EU energy union has 'huge momentum'

In his book 'Driving the EU Forward - Straight talks with Maroš Šefčovič', the former Slovak permanent representative to the EU calls for a decisive break "with the darker forces of chauvinism and mutual hostility that cast a shadow over much of Europe's 20th century history". Šefčovič believes that whatever its "current imperfections", the EU offers "the best hope in these turbulent times". As vice-president with responsibility for overseeing the coordination of Europe's energy needs, he insists "the time is ripe for energy union". Šefčovič says, "my job is to push for a resilient energy union with a forward looking climate policy, identified as one of the policy priorities of the Juncker commission." The EU has "a clear vision of the kind of energy union we need" and "work has started" on delivering "a system that ensures affordable energy for our companies and citizens, with secure energy for all member states". The Slovak commissioner is also focused on "green energy for future generations" and insists the EU and members states need to "speak with one voice on the international scene".

The former career diplomat has identified five dimensions to making real progress on the energy union. These are: "energy security, based on solidarity and trust, which includes reducing our energy dependence and diversifying our energy sources and supplies; a competitive completed internal energy market; energy efficiency, something that can contribute to moderation of demand in sectors such as housing and transport where there is still a huge, untapped potential; decarbonisation of our economies; and a research and innovation agenda".

Šefčovič believes the importance of his work as vice-president for energy union can be measured "in the creation of a dedicated post" for his role and the "huge momentum for the energy union at European level now". The Slovak official says, "EU leaders have recently agreed on new targets for energy and climate for 2030 and a comprehensive security of supply strategy". Šefčovič insists "recent geopolitical events show more than ever the need for Europe to reduce its import dependency".

Read the full article HERE