European Parliament votes towards a new European energy strategy 2011-2020

(26 October 2010) The Industry and Energy Committee of the European Parliament agreed its position on the Commission document on 'Towards a new European Energy Policy 2020' today.

The report was prepared by Polish liberal Kolarska-Bobinska. She argued in her position for more market opening. MEPs put forward over 400 amendments ranging from the promotion of renewables, nuclear clean coal technologies to smart grids and supergrids.

EPSU has advocated a number of amendments including to focus attention on the employment, skills and social dialogue. EPSU also lobbied with the employers organization Eurelectric. This amendment was adopted.

Other proposals adopted concerned the importance of a human rights and social dimension in the EU external energy policy and the involvement of stakeholders in the European Regulatory Agency.

Another important vote however was lost. Conservatives argued for a so-called internal market sector inquiry which is research led by DG Competition. Its sole focus is how to promote more competition. EPSU sought a broader investigation so also other aspects such as energy poverty and employment could be considered. The report will now go to the European Parliament session end November for the plenary vote.

- Read the EPSU position on the Commission paper

- For the press release of the European Parliament on the vote: