The Energy Union means making energy more secure, affordable and sustainable. It will allow a free flow of energy across borders and a secure supply in every EU country, for every European. New technologies and renewed infrastructure will cut household bills and create new jobs and skills, as companies expand exports and boost growth. It will lead to a sustainable, low carbon and environmentally friendly economy, putting Europe at the forefront of renewable energy production and the fight against global warming.
Important groundwork has already been done. Europe has a policy framework for energy and climate for 2030, as well as an energy security strategy. Meanwhile, an integrated energy market for all EU countries is closer than ever before.
Objectives
- Pool resources, connect networks and unite the EU’s power when negotiating with non EU countries.
- Diversify energy sources – so Europe can quickly switch to other supply channels if the financial or political cost of importing from the East becomes too high.
- Help EU countries become less dependent on energy imports.
- Reduce Europe’s energy use by 27% or greater by 2030
- Build on the EU’s target of emitting at least 40% less greenhouse gases by 2030
- Make the EU the world number one in renewable energy and lead the fight against global warming
Policy areas
The EU’s Energy Union strategy is made up of 5 closely related and mutually reinforcing dimensions.
- Supply security
Diversifying Europe’s sources of energy and making better, more efficient use of energy produced within the EU.
- A fully-integrated internal energy market
Using interconnectors which enable energy to flow freely across the EU – without any technical or regulatory barriers. Only then can energy providers freely compete and provide the best energy prices.
- Energy efficiency
Consuming less energy in order to reduce pollution and preserve domestic energy sources. This will reduce the EU’s need for energy imports.
- Emissions reduction
Renewing the EU Emissions Trading System, pushing for a global deal for climate change in Paris in December 2015, and encouraging private investment in new infrastructure and technologies.
- Research and innovation
Supporting breakthroughs in low-carbon technologies by coordinating research and helping to finance projects in partnership with the private sector.
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