Motion for a Resolution by the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE II)
I was like Watt – With the EU aiming to increase renewable energy production in its European Green Deal framework to respond to the climate crisis, it has proved challenging to achieve this without giving thorough consideration for energy security. What can the EU do to ensure stable energy generation, transmission, and distribution while balancing renewable energy and energy security goals?
Submitted by Fenne Bekker (Vechtstede College), Sebastiaan Franken (Mencia de Mendoza College), Aidan Norde (Marnix College), Pau Weenk (Porta Mosana College), Teije van Wingerden (Het Heerlanden), Krista Bergmane (Chairperson, LV), Teodor Borcan (Chairperson, RO)
The European Youth Parliament,
- Pointing out the harmful effects of carbon emissions on the climate,
- Aware that 34 million European citizens live in energy poverty,
- Noting with concern the insufficient production of renewable energy in Europe which has left the EU heavily dependent on energy imports,
- Recognising that ensuring energy security can slow the implementation of renewable energy goals,
- Concerned by the lack of cooperation between Member States in the energy sector,
- Alarmed by the lack of integration between Member States’ power grids, which has left some at a higher risk of power outages,
- Deeply concerned by the lack of energy efficient infrastructure,
- Observing the low standard of education regarding energy poverty and the cooperation of Member States;
- Appeals the European Commission to broaden the EU Emissions Trading System’s (EU ETS) competences to include the private sector;
- Invites Member States to screen for households that report spending more than a predefined percentage share of their overall expenditure on energy;
- Suggests that Member States implement energy aid schemes for households which qualify as energy impoverished;
- Asks the Horizon Europe program to increase funding for the development of easily accessible renewable energy resources;
- Urges the Directorate General on Energy (DG ENER) to create an agency overseeing energy security levels across Member States;
- Calls upon the Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER) to suggest an energy price ceiling;
- Directs the European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) to develop a set of collaboration guidelines to help neighbouring Member States ensure energy security;
- Instructs the European Commission to subsidise the transition towards energy efficient infrastructure;
- Requests that Member States launch television and social media campaigns on the significance of renewable energy and energy security;
- Encourages Member States to take part in Projects of Common Interest (PCIs);
- Invites the DG ENER to establish a conference informing energy companies of funding opportunities regarding green energy investment.