(15 December 2011) The European Commission has published the energy roadmap 2050. Following the criticism of EPSU and others on an earlier leaked version and recognizing the inputs of both the electricity and gas social dialogue committees, the Energy roadmap recognizes the importance of a social dimension. The roadmap states:
The social dimension of the energy roadmap is important. The transition will affect employment and jobs, requiring education and training and a more vigorous social dialogue.
In order to efficiently manage change, involvement of social partners at all levels will be necessary in line with just transition and decent work principles. Mechanisms that help workers confronted with job transitions to develop their employability are needed.(Section 3.4)
The just transition is a reference to the Cancun agreement on Climate Change (as a follow up to the Kyoto protocol). It has been taken up in the conclusions of the Durban summit 2011. And more important is that also the part on follow up (The Way forward). The Commission argues that to achieve a new energy system a social dimension is to be part of it.
To achieve this new energy system, ten conditions must be met:
(1) The immediate priority is to implement fully the EU's Energy 2020 strategy. All existing legislation needs to be applied, and the proposals currently in discussion, notably on energy efficiency, infrastructure, safety and international cooperation, need to be adopted swiftly. The path towards a new energy system also has a social dimension; the Commission will continue to encourage social dialogue and social partners' involvement to help a fair transition and an efficient management of change.
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