Emerging skills gap a big problem for energy sector says Dutch Presidency
EPSU met with representatives of the Dutch government currently holding the Presidency of the EU to discuss a number of energy issues, 8 November 2004. The principal issue of concern was the Draft Directive on Security of Supply. EPSU raised the lack of investment in power companies and transmission network. The directive needs to be clearer on the concept of reasonable costs and to prevent profiteering. There is a role for the regulator in an open and transparent process in which consumer organizations, low income users, trade unions and others play a role through a structured dialogue.
There is also a lack of investment in human capital and a skills gap is emerging which can effect security of supply. EPSU referred to the joint position with the employers. The Dutch Presidency agreed with EPSU as to our analysis of the problems and possible solutions. It does expect a political agreement on the Directive by the Council of Ministers responsible for energy, 29 November 2004.
Other issues addressed by the delegation:
There is a lack of transparency in the process of negotiating a Treaty to create an internal market in electricity and gas in South East Europe. The social regulations of the EU are not taken into account and the social partners are not consulted.
EU-Russia Energy Dialogue needs a role for all stakeholders including the social partners.
Lack of trade union participation in the EU advisory council on Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Economy
Support from the Presidency is needed for the employment study requested by the social partners
(Lack of) Social Dialogue in the European Gas Sector
The Presidency will raise several of EPSU’s concerns with the Commission and other Council members.
EPSU met with the Director-General Mr. Lankhorst and his staff who replaced the Minister. He was excused due to a fall and a resulting concussion. The EPSU delegation was composed of: Sven Bergelin, Reszo Gal, Jan Ruden, respectively President and Vice-presidents of the EPSU standing committee on public utilities, EPSU deputy general secretary, and Dutch colleagues Joost van Herpen (AbvaKabo), Theo Quist (CNV Publieke Zaak) and Henk Korthof (FNV Bondgenoten), all EPSU affiliated trade unions.
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