CEESEN is calling on the ministers to strengthen the phase-out of fossils and support the low-carbon economy
Tartu, 2017.09.19 – This week an informal meeting takes place in Tallinn, Estonia, where ministers for Energy and Transport in the EU are gathering to discuss several issues, among which the energy efficiency is crucial according to the newly formed CEESEN – Central and Eastern Europe Sustainable Energy Network. The initiative urges the decision makers to ensure the Energy Union objectives.
CEESEN, highlights that low-carbon transition, with phasing out fossils (especially coal and oil shell) is the only opportunity for communities within the region to benefit economically while their well-being is ensured. Job creation and reducing health impacts are just a few benefits that energy transition can bring. Therefore, having high targets for 2030 and designing a sustainable path towards them are crucial for the region.
The rapid process that the EU underwent to ratify the Paris Agreement is an excellent example that the EU institutions and its leaders can push for new initiatives and rapid decision-making when needed. Therefore, CEESEN emphasizes the importance of supporting nationally binding targets, through governance regulations that ensure the introduction of such targets „The Governance regulation should be linked to the EU budget by establishing conditions which incentivise higher climate and clean energy ambitions. This provision is crucial to align investments needed for achieving the specific targets with financing commitments. Such targeted use of EU funds will thus increase the added value of EU financial support on national level. It will also provide long-term planning and investment certainty which communities with low-carbon transition targets seek. A stronger link to the EU budget within the Governance framework is also an important element of the solution -” – according to Marek Muiste, Founder of CEESEN
„Transforming the current fossil fuel based transport system is one of the biggest challenges for European countries and it requires innovative solutions and new types of partnerships. Phasing out fossils and investing in renewables and energy efficiency are the only options for regions in CEE to create a sustainable transport sector” – highlighted Muiste.
CEESEN highlighted the important role that this week’s meeting can play in this process. In a few weeks’ time, several professionals, researchers and NGOs will gather in Prague to further discuss energy transition within an international conference: https://ceesen.org/conference
Further information:
CEESEN (the Central and Eastern Europe Sustainable Energy Network) is a broad network of organizations and individuals from government, research, NGOs and business with deep knowledge and experience in Energy policy, Stakeholder engagement, Advocacy and Funding. The online platform of the network is the place where all members can meet future partners, look for funding opportunities, participate and create trainings in the field of their interest. Find out more from ceesen.org! CEESEN is supported by European Commission under Horizon 2020 program project PANEL 2050 (grant agreement No 696173).
Links:
https://www.eu2017.ee/political-meetings/TTE
https://ceesen.org/conference
https://ceesen.org
(picture from eu2017.ee)