The European Commission’s (EC) new measures to combat the energy crisis once again place everyday habits at the center of the debate, such as traveling to work, using a car, traveling by plane and the operation of public buildings.
The will propose, on Wednesday, a “toolbox” to help Member States respond to the energy crisis caused by the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, with measures to support families and companies and recommendations to reduce consumption in the European Union (EU).
Brussels prepares emergency measures
According to the same source, the community executive should suggest that countries promote at least one mandatory day of teleworking per week, whenever possible. The EC also wants public buildings to be closed when they are not essential, according to information to which the Lusa agency had access.
The proposal comes at a time of strong instability in energy markets, almost two months after the attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran and the Iranian response. Although Brussels guarantees that there are, for now, no problems in the supply of oil and gas, price volatility is already weighing on families, companies, industry and transport.
Less car, less plane and more public transport
In the transport sector, Brussels wants to encourage alternatives to private cars, such as shared bicycles, car-free areas, vehicle sharing, greater use of public transport and reinforcement of electric mobility.
The EC should also call for air travel to be avoided wherever possible, especially in the public sector. The intention is to reduce travel considered unnecessary, at a time when fuel remains exposed to the impact of instability in the Middle East.
Public buildings are also included in the accounts
Energy savings must also affect public buildings, with adjustments to centralized air conditioning systems to improve efficiency. The same institution also suggests regulating the temperature of domestic boilers below 50 °C.
These measures follow the logic defended by Ursula von der Leyen, who last week stated that it is necessary to reduce energy demand. The president of the company summarized the idea by saying that “the least expensive energy is the energy that is not used”.
Vulnerable families can receive direct support
To protect the most fragile consumers, Brussels should propose energy vouchers, temporary regulated prices, total or partial reductions in special taxes on electricity and a temporary ban on power cuts.
The president had already defended the protection of vulnerable families and sectors most affected by high energy prices. According to Ursula von der Leyen, measures must be targeted at the most vulnerable, quick and temporary.
Companies will have incentives to save energy
In the case of companies, the objective is to reinforce the focus on renewable energy, storage and energy efficiency. Among the planned measures are incentives to replace inefficient electric motors and systems based on fossil fuels with renewable alternatives.
Brussels also allows greater flexibility in state aid rules, to allow Member States to support sectors more exposed to rising energy costs.
Gas and oil reserves under European coordination
Communication should also facilitate coordination between countries in filling gas reserves and in the eventual release of strategic oil reserves. The European Commission intends to prevent Member States from competing with each other on international markets, which could increase prices.
External dependence continues to be one of the EU’s greatest weaknesses, according to the sources cited above. Much of the oil and gas consumed in the bloc comes from abroad, which makes the European economy more vulnerable to geopolitical shocks such as the current escalation in the Middle East.
Long-term bet involves clean energy
In addition to immediate measures to combat the energy crisis, Brussels wants to accelerate the reduction of dependence on fossil fuels. The strategy involves diversifying suppliers, strengthening energy efficiency, investing in renewables and increasing the security of the European energy system.
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