mai
17
2009 | European Economic and Social Committee calls for rapid implementation of priority energy projects
At its plenary session of 13 and 14 May 2009, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted two key opinions on energy, dealing with priority projects in the field of energy and giving specific recommendations for education and training in order to develop a carbon-free energy society.
As part of the efforts aimed at overcoming the current economic crisis, the European Commission has proposed reallocating EUR 5 billion of unspent funds from the 2008 budget to investments in sustainable energy such as electricity and gas interconnections, offshore wind energy, carbon capture and storage.
Prepared by the rapporteur Daniel Retureau (Group II, Employees, France), the Committee opinion on "Community financial assistance to projects in the field of energy – economic recovery" welcomes the idea of allocating unused budgetary resources from 2008 to projects aimed at kick-starting the European economy. “This allocation of funds is a suitable long-term vision for combating the crisis and will foster industrial development in the future” said Retureau.
The EESC supports the general approach of the Regulation, but calls for rapid implementation. It regrets that the measures proposed are generally too modest, given the rapid and widespread impact on jobs and businesses. The Committee further regrets that stronger proposals and clearer signals were not produced in recent months.
Education and training for a carbon-free society
The EESC also adopted an opinion on education and training needs for the carbon-free energy society, prepared by rapporteur Edgardo Iozia (Group II, Employees, Italy). The Committee recognises that education across all age groups and training for technicians and graduates have a crucial role to play in moving towards a "zero-emissions" society. It deplores the fact that so far, government initiatives on education and training have been insufficient.
Source : Communiqué Commission Européenne
Voir la fiche de l'entreprise Commission Européenne
| |
|
|
  
|
