The next Parliament comes at a strategic moment as the EU beings to rethink its energy policy over the longer period up to 2050. A key element for MEPs will be pushing for low-carbon energy technologies, while further enhancing the EU’s security of energy supply as global demand increases. Translated into policy initiatives, the legislative period 2009-2013 should notably see MEPs examining initiatives on security of supply and energy efficiency while monitoring progress on renewables and markets.

Energy market issues, though, will take a back seat legislatively compared to the past five years. The 2004-2009 period was dominated by reconstituting the rules for the internal energy market as well as adopting a new directive for the promotion of ‘green’ energy up to 2020. The next Parliament will pick up on regulating gas and electricity markets while monitoring implementation. This could lead, towards the end of the term, for an EP call for further liberalisation with a fourth package of legislative measures on energy markets. Renewables, too, will be analysed, notably following the European Commission’s examination, in 2010, of how to overcome barriers to renewables.

VISION FOR 2050

With the EU’s agenda for 2020 already set, Parliament will push for a largely carbon-free energy sector by 2050. MEPs have already expressed their wishes in terms of future policy in a February 2009 report by Anne Laperrouze (ALDE, France) on the Commission’s November 2008 ‘Second strategic energy review’. Here, MEPs called for more ambitious energy targets, with a proposal to make energy efficiency legally binding. Ideas include, by 2050, a 35% improvement in energy efficiency and a 60% share of renewable energy. MEPs also want tougher targets for reducing CO ₂ emissions by at least 80% in 2050.

Energy efficiency, though, may be the area where MEPs make most of a mark. The EP will already have to negotiate, in second reading, with the Swedish EU Presidency on energy labelling for appliances and tyre labelling, as well as a recast directive on the energy performance of buildings. Other important areas of energy taxation or nuclear energy fall out of the Parliament’s competence. More generally, MEPs will have the chance to implement their long-term vision as the Commission is set, in 2010, to propose a revamped energy policy for Europe. This should set a policy agenda for 2030 and a ‘vision’ for 2050.

Work on energy security will continue with the forthcoming Council directive on the security of gas supply (to be proposed by the Commission in July 2009). More generally, MEPs will help formulate a new EU Energy Security and Infrastructure Instrument, building on the existing TEN-E instrument, starting with a Commission green paper set for 2010. MEPs will also be called upon to examine a range of specific measures needed to implement the Commission’s ‘Action plan for energy security and solidarity’ (such as the Nabucco pipeline or expansion of liquefied natural gas).