Brussels, 06/03/2007
Obviously, our current energy model cannot be sustained in the long run. During a very short period of time, specifically the last two years, we have experienced very concretely the various risks incurred by our energy choices:
- first of all, Russia's decision to turn off the gas supplies to Ukraine in December 2005 (and thereby to Western Europe) concentrated the attention of decision-makers on security of energy supply and on the huge potential consequences it may have for individual and industrial consumers.
- secondly, the Commission acknowledged recently that liberalisation of the electricity and gas markets has not delivered its promises.
In the future, we cannot exclude the risks of conflict arising from increased competition for access to scarce energy resources.
Who is actually paying for the failure of our energy model? Without any doubt, the workers pay a disproportionate share of the bill. Indeed, mostly due to liberalisation, privatisation and restructuring in the energy sector, we estimate that at least 300,000 workers have disappeared from the energy industry, still many more jobs are threatened, and there is an increase in out-sourcing and pressure on working conditions.
From the perspective of the European Trade Union Confederation, we must ensure that public service obligations are fully implemented and access to energy and heating for all is ensured. High quality public services are a key element of the European economic and social model.
Europe needs to achieve a ‘just transition' towards a low carbon economy.
“If a European approach is not successful, there is a danger that national policies will prevail. This will have long lasting effects on the wealth of European industries and their employees, on vulnerable consumers, and will increase the cost of environmental adjustment”, declared John Monks, ETUC General Secretary.
The ETUC supports the proposal that John Monks put forward in the High Level Group on Competitiveness, Energy and Environment - endorsed by Jacques Delors, the former President of the European Commission - for a new European Treaty on Energy and Environment.
John Monks'speech
