Measures taken by the European Union over the last few years are being implemented in Member States with difficulty. Transposition into national law has been delayed and no impact is apparent as yet. These measures dealing with energy efficiency, renewable energy, cogeneration, buildings, urban transport, energy services, public procurement and so on, will only become fully effective if they are implemented by local authorities. Local authorities must therefore be supported in their initiatives and those who have not yet taken action, encouraged to do so.

Local authorities have to be placed at the centre of European sustainable energy policy, failing which none of the objectives set by the European Union will be achieved

A large part of the energy consumption of buildings as well as transportation is decided at local level, in the field. This is also where citizens, companies, shops, banks, etc. can be involved in genuine action.

These facts are not denied and documents from the Commission make regular reference to them. But, in reality, the role that local and regional authorities play- and are able to play- is still thought to be marginal at both EU and national levels. Member States often refer to the well-known principle of subsidiarity. But, this is perhaps more of a pretext to maintain the status quo. No institution, whether at Community or national level, has issued an official document dealing with the role of local authorities in the energy policy. Member States are to draw up National Action Plans for Energy Efficiency but how many will spontaneously include the local level?

According to the principle of subsidiarity, solutions to problems must be designed and implemented by the most appropriate government (and actor) level. Legislation and technological research comes within the remit of the Community and national levels.

But considering the energy paradigm for the 21st century, where priority must be given to the saving of energy (our main resource) and to the massive use of renewable and recovery energies, who better than local authorities and local actors to qualify as the most appropriate decision-making level?

We must break out of this situation by opening up a large debate throughout the various levels of decision.

This is why Energie-Cités wants the Commission to prepare a Communication concerning the role of the regional and local levels in the implementation of Community policies on energy efficiency, renewable and decentralised energy sources as well as sustainable transportation. Such a political signal would increase local authority action capacities tenfold.

This issue will be Energie-Cités’ priority over the coming months. Contacts have already been made with networks of towns and cities, the European Commission, the Committee of the Regions, the European Parliament, Member States, business associations, NGOs, etc.

Please let us know about your reactions, ideas and suggestions!

For further information Gérard MAGNIN, Energie-Cités

Gérard Magnin
Executive Director