(20 March 2009, Brussels) Socila Dialogue update - social partners essential to clear long term energy plan. A representative of the European Commission presented the progress that was made under the Strategic Energy Review. The Commission is considering what the energy system of 2050 should look like, and then using these estimates to consider what steps are needed to arrive there. The employers and trade union representatives stressed that this should reflect the employment and skills dimension.

The sectoral social dialogue committees will be consulted more often and at an earlier stage and will allow for input to the impact assessments that the Commission is set to undertake. Other issues considered with the representative of DG TREN included the gas crisis between Russia and Ukraine and its impact on several EU and other European countries; and the impact of the financial crisis on the energy sector. A number of energy projects are set to receive EU funding.

The social partners received an update on the ’demographic change and competencies project’. Surveys have been sent out and unions and employers are encouraged to respond. There will be a larger European conference on 4 November 2009.

The trade union side responsed to earlier proposals of Eurogas to work on restructuring and health and safety; and made proposals on Corporate social responsibility and Equality and Diversity.

Jan Willem Goudriaan EPSU deputy General Secretary

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