Press Release CP CES112-2008 CP EN

European Economic and Social Committee

European Economic and Social Committee

Jean-Pierre Jouyet speaks to the EESC: the work done by the French presidency and a debate on energy policy

Mr Jean-Pierre Jouyet, Minister of State in the French Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs, came to the EESC's plenary session on 3 and 4 December 2008 to report on the French presidency of the Council of the European Union during the theme-based debate organised by President Mario Sepi."We have tried to make our presidency more people-centred and to establish an EU communication policy for the public" he stressed before listing the various actions taken during the French presidency. The priority areas of work had included the environment package, the energy issue and the fight against climate change.

"It was a crisis management presidency requiring solidarity between the 27 Member States" statedJean-Pierre Jouyet, as he recalled the Georgian conflict over Abkhazia and the return to stability, the financial crisis that had shaken the world and the implementation of a rapid action plan to regulate the financial system, involving the organisation of a G20 meeting in Washington aimed at securing concerted action to relaunch the world economy.However, the European Union needed funds in order to implement the measures required to bring about this economic recovery.

Actions taken during the storm

Jean-Pierre Jouyet was pleased to note the establishment of a fair migration policy accompanied by an observatory with additional measures aimed at securing a just asylum policy.This had boosted solidarity between the Member States and enabled the creation of a global partnership.

In addition, a security strategy had been implemented to unite Europe in its defence against terrorism and cybercrime and to continue to maintain good relations with Russia, while also encouraging a close partnership with the US.

As regards the farming and food sectors, measures had been taken to ensure better food safety for people throughout the EU.Lastly, as part of the energy/climate package, Mr Jouyet stressed that Europe needed to secure access to energy for all Europeans and to encourage non-polluting forms of energy.

The European Economic and Social Committee adopted three opinions on the subject of energy.

Mr Iozia (Group II, Employees, Italy) presented his opinion on "Future investments in the nuclear industry and their role in the EU's energy policy".This opinion responds to a number of questions asked by the European Commission concerning investment in the nuclear sector, which generates 35% of electricity used by Europeans despite being extremely controversial.The major issue remains that of how to recycle nuclear waste stored on temporary sites.

The debate continued with Ms Laure Batut (Group II, Employees, France), who presented an own-initiative opinion on "The social implications of transport and energy developments", which analysed the consequences for the public of difficult access to transport and energy, particularly at a time of crisis.The direct consequence may in some cases be social exclusion.

Lastly, the debate moved on to the opinion drafted by Mr Hernández Bataller (Group III, Various Interests, Spain)on "Energy efficiency through information and communication technologies".Also adopted unanimously, this opinion analyses means of reducing CO2 emissions and recommends stepping up research into innovative products and the dematerialisation of certain services.

In these opinions the Committee recommends a number of practical measures including greater transparency in the labelling of CO2-generating products, the launch of social dialogue in companies in order to favour the shared management of energy problems, and the introduction of tax incentives for the use of new energy sources.