Energy unions discuss way forward with European Parliamentarians
(4 November 2005) Claude Turmes, rapporteur on the internal market in the European Parliament, started a heated discussion with trade unions when he advocated that the grids should be unbundled and put in public ownership.
The pros and cons were argued over. MEP Turmes further stressed the importance of regulation and the possibilities for national legislation to do more to protect the public interest then is written in the Directives. "Is it realistic to believe that we will be able to turn deregulation around right now ?"
Britte Thomson, vice-chair of the European Parliament’s committee that deals with energy questioned the positive effect of liberalisation and pointed out that it could have a negative impact on women in the sector. She called on the trade unions to do more to ensure equality in the energy sector.
Both MEPs speak during the EPSU Energy Conference. Claude Turmes ended the first day of debate and Britte Thomsen participated in the panel with Commissioner Piebalgs.
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