NT, ZAP //
European Commission presents a list of 55 proposals to avoid energy consumption, because of the war in Iran.
A few weeks after a plan drawn up by the International Energy Agency (IEA), a more extensive list appears: 55 measures that Brussels wants to apply to try to alleviate the consequences of energy crisis related to .
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 issue is a toolbox that Brussels will unveil to address high energy prices, including targeted support for consumers and businesses, possible tax cuts and tariff adjustments, and the use of market instruments and strategic reserves, at a time when almost two months have passed since the US and Israeli attacks on Iran and the ensuing Iranian response.
According to a draft to which the Lusa agency had access, the community executive will suggest measures that Member States can adopt and that already have an impact, from the outset “promoting 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 bicycles shared, vehicle-free zonescar sharing (rides), more vehicles electrical and greater encouragement for the use of public transport.
To avoid greater fuel consumption, another alternative is to drive more slowly on the road; Brussels calls for speed reduction on roads, in particular lower 10 km/h maximum limit on motorwaysadds .
The institution also asks that “avoid air travel whenever possible” and to reduce “travel [de avião] in the public sector.”
Following this logic of reducing consumption, an adjustment to centralized energy systems is suggested. air conditioning in public buildings to increase the efficiency and temperature regulation of boilers in homes below 50°C.
To protect vulnerable families, we propose vales of energy, regulated prices temporarily, total or partial targeted reductions of taxes specials on electricity and a prohibition temporary cortes of energy.
When it comes to companies, the European Commission wants more focus on renewable energy, energy storage and efficiency and incentives to replace inefficient electric motors and fossil systems with renewables.
Regarding storage, Brussels promises in this communication to facilitate, this month, the coordination of national measures relating to 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 “protection of vulnerable families and sectors most affected by high energy prices”, warning that 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 “reduction in energy demand given that the cheapest energy is the one that 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.
