The image shows a stark contrast between renewable and non-renewable energy sources. The image depicts a field with a lone wind turbine standing tall in the foreground, while in the distance, smoke billows from a power plant, symbolizing traditional energy production. The scene is set against a cloudy sky, with the sun casting a soft glow on the horizon. The wind turbine, a symbol of clean energy, stands tall and proud, its blades catching the wind and turning. The power plant, on the other hand, represents the old ways of generating energy, spewing thick black smog into the atmosphere. The contrast between the two is striking, highlighting the need to move towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
On 11 September, the Commission published a report on the functioning of the Regulation on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action, accompanied by a detailed evaluation. The report concludes that in a rapidly evolving political and geopolitical context, the Regulation has played an important role in keeping the EU on track to meet its 2030 targets by making planning and reporting more coherent, integrated and simpler.
Adopted in 2018, the Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 established a new governance mechanism to help the EU and its Member States reach the 2030 climate and energy targets and meet the Paris Agreement goals.
The Regulation establishes a set of rules for integrated planning, monitoring and reporting under the five dimensions of the Energy Union:
- energy security
- the internal energy market
- energy efficiency
- decarbonisation
- research, innovation and competitiveness.
It also aims to ensure EU’s compliance with international reporting obligations under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.
The report notes that the Regulation’s objectives remain highly relevant, also against the backdrop of current socio-economic, environmental, and geopolitical challenges.
The introduction of National Energy and Climate Plans (NECP), as required under the Regulation, has improved strategic planning both within Member States and, to some extent, between them through cross-border regional cooperation.
The evaluation also identified areas for improvement. Differences still exist in the coverage and quality of national plans and strategies, and there is scope to enhance coherence with recently adopted EU legislation, including beyond energy and climate policies. The evaluation also points to areas where reporting obligations could potentially be streamlined.
The report also emphasises the need to increase engagement between Member States, regional and local authorities, industry, the financial sector, social partners and civil society.
The report, required under Article 45 of the Regulation and addressed to the European Parliament and Council, is underpinned by a Commission Staff Working Document with the detailed evaluation.
The results of the evaluation will feed into the Regulation’s ongoing implementation and any possible future revision.
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