TEN, section for transport, energy, infrastructure and the information society : what energy policy for Europe? key points of recent EESC opinions

The question of how to make the European Union's energy use more environmentally and economically sound in the context of a developing EU energy policy is currently being dealt with by the European Economic and Social Committee. The issue of energy efficiency is important to the future of all Europeans, as energy is essential to daily life. Thus, the opinions presented in this brochure seek to highlight the various aspects of the energy domain in which the EESC is currently involved. The topics addressed are: the need for a more diversified energy mix, the Energy Policy for Europe, the Energy Star programme for more energy efficient office equipment, the need for an educated consumer, the European Commission's Nuclear Illustrative Programme, the use of biofuels as an energy source, the importance of limiting restrictions on energy practices, the need for binding legal measures that would protect citizens' rights, and the pressing need for a viable European energy policy. These opinions were adopted between the years 2006 and 2008, and are thus, still pertinent. Through this brochure, the Committee seeks to raise awareness of the important contributions that European civil society organisations can make towards the promotion of efficient energy use and towards the adoption of an adequate energy mix in Europe.