Moving from the “ACCELERATE EU” to the “EMPOWER EU” mantra

In response to the ongoing energy crisis, and at the request of EU Member States, the President of the European Commission proposed accelerating the transition towards greater energy sovereignty and security. The Communication published on 22 April reflects this approach, while speeding things up, under the banner of: “ACCELERATE EU”. Going faster suggests that there are too many delays in grid connection requests or in setting up new renewable facilities, and that many of the related regulations should therefore be relaxed.
Centralised planning is recommended to boost cross-border interconnections and reinforce the grid, while private investment – still considered over-cautious (really?) – should be encouraged.

It is impossible for the Commission to offer anything but continuity in just a few months. Having a shared, clear horizon is already a significant step: our dependencies must fall to zero, and fossil fuels eliminated as soon as possible. But as we veer from one crisis after another, is this not the moment to rethink the system entirely? How can we assume that the delays are merely administrative? That the obstacles aren’t also physical, that it is not possible to connect everyone “physically” at once, and that what is truly needed is effective governance – a shared decision-making space where all stakeholders can set priorities, optimise needs, and rethink strategies?

This is broadly the approach championed by Spain’s Energy Minister, Sara Aagesen, with a new vision: EMPOWER EU. This method would give all stakeholders an active role, fairly sharing both the benefits and the costs of the transition, and building true resilience. We put this idea into practice at our Annual Forum: exchanging, learning, sharing and thinking together about what will make our cities fossil-free.
Three inspiring days of discovery in Europe’s green capital, Guimarães.

Enrico Letta, President of the Jacques Delors Institute, stressed in his policy orientation report to the Commission that Europe must review its priorities and secure a new kind of freedom – the freedom to stay. Access to essential services, including energy, in the place they live gives people opportunities and allows them to remain connected to their communities. The Commission is therefore now working on its “right to stay” strategy, and we encourage public input through the consultation, (or by sending your ideas via this form). Sharing opportunities and value created locally, as in Scotland’s recent “Community Wealth Building Bill” paves the way to sustainable prosperity.