European Energy Union: over-regulation is lurking around the corner

The European Commission approved a bundle of forty propositions that must gradually bring about the formation of a European Energy Union. This new far-reaching cooperation between Member States will improve energy security in the EU, and make energy cheaper and more sustainable.

N-VA European Parliament member Anneleen Van Bossuyt welcomes the plans: “In the EU, 53 percent of the energy comes from abroad; in Belgium, this is 74 percent. The Ukrainian crisis demonstrates just how dependent we are on Russian gas. I therefore fully endorse the goals of the European Energy Union: we must use less energy, diversify our energy import and cooperate better with our neighbouring countries.”

Plea for realism
However, Van Bossuyt does have some critical comments regarding the Commission’s proposals: “In a project like this, the danger of over-regulation is never far away. Moreover, many of the goals are not even close to being reached. Would it not be better to tackle those first, instead of formulating new, often unattainable goals?”

The N-VA pleads for an energy policy that is not just ambitious but also, and more importantly, realistic and therefore emphasises goals regarding energy efficiency. “Handling energy in a more efficient way is good for the household budget, it creates jobs and contributes to the realisation of climate goals,” concludes Van Bossuyt.