The European Commission will propose, on Wednesday, support measures in the face of the energy crisis caused by the conflict in the Middle East, calling for teleworking and alternatives to cars and planes for less consumption in the European Union (EU).
At stake is a toolbox that Brussels will release to address high energy prices, including targeted support for consumers and companies, possible tax reductions and tariff adjustments and the use of market instruments and strategic reserves, at a time when almost two months have passed since the attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran and the consequent Iranian response.
According to a draft that the Lusa agency had access to, the community executive will suggest measures that member states can adopt and that already have an impact, from the outset. “promote at least one mandatory day of teleworking per week when possible” and “close public buildings when possible”.
Still in the field of transport, Brussels wants alternatives to the car such as shared bicycles, car-free zones, car sharing, more electric vehicles and greater encouragement to use public transport.
The institution also asks that “avoid air travel whenever possible” and reduce “(air) travel in the public sector”.
Following this logic of reducing consumption, a adjustment to centralized air conditioning systems in public buildings to increase the efficiency and temperature regulation of boilers in homes below 50°C.
To protect vulnerable families, we propose energy vouchers, temporarily regulated prices, targeted full or partial reductions of excise taxes on electricity, and a temporary ban on power cuts.
When it comes to companies, the European Commission wants more investment in renewable energy, energy storage and efficiency and incentives to replace inefficient electric motors and fossil systems with renewable ones.
Regarding storage, Brussels promises in this communication to facilitate, this month, the coordination of national measures regarding the filling of gas reserves and the possible release of oil reserves.
In a speech last week in Brussels, the president of the community executive, Ursula von der Leyen, called for the “protection of vulnerable families and sectors most affected by high energy prices”, warning that the measures must be “targeted at the most vulnerable, quick and temporary”.
“A greater degree of flexibility in state aid rules will also be considered to support more exposed sectors”, he indicated.
Ursula von der Leyen also defended the “reduction in energy demand given that the cheapest energy is that which is not consumed”.
In addition to wanting more coordination between countries in the short term, the official called for a long-term commitment to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and clean energy.
The EU imports most of the oil and gas it consumes, which makes it highly exposed to external shocks such as the current energy crisis caused by the escalation in the Middle East.
Although Brussels guarantees that there will be no problems in the supply of oil and gas to the EU, we are already witnessing price volatility, increased costs for families and companies, inflationary pressure and disruptions in industry and transport, with a greater sense of urgency in diversifying suppliers and accelerating the transition to safer and more renewable energy sources.
