Debate on the Decision adopted on a Strategic framework for the Energy Unionduring the EP plenary session in Brussels. Statements by&nbsp;Maros SEFCOVIC, European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union, Jerzy BUZEK (EPP, PL), Kathleen VAN BREMPT (S&amp;D, BE), Morten Helveg PETERSEN (ALDE, DK) and Rebecca HARMS (Greens/EFA, DE)

Brussels

statement

plenary session

2030 framework for climate and energy policies (T)

VAN BREMPT, Kathleen (S&D, BE)

BUZEK, Jerzy (EPP, PL)

ŠEFČOVIČ, Maroš (SK, EC)

HARMS, Rebecca (Greens/EFA, DE)

PETERSEN, Morten (Renew, DK)

Decision adopted on a Strategic framework for the Energy Union: extracts from the debate

SOUNDBITE (English), Maros SEFCOVIC, European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union, "Today, we take a big step towards an energy market that is economically sustainable; socially inclusive; and environmental friendly. An energy market that is integrated, interconnected, resilient and secure. It is a &lsquo;triple win&rsquo; strategy, because it will benefit citizens, businesses, and the environment."

SOUNDBITE (English), Maros SEFCOVIC, European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union, "The Energy Union, like the European project itself, is based on trust and solidarity. Over the past decades, Member States have come to rely on each other in numerous fields. It is time we apply this same principle also in our energy markets. Member States should in all circumstances know that they can rely on their neighbours, especially when confronted or threatened with supply disruptions."

SOUNDBITE (English), Maros SEFCOVIC, European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union, "The Energy Union should deliver free flow of energy across Europe, as if it were a fifth freedom. The Strategy we have adopted is the most ambitious European energy project since the European Coal and Steel Community."

SOUNDBITE (English), Maros SEFCOVIC, European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union, "The Energy Union puts energy efficiency first. We have to fundamentally rethink energy efficiency and treat it as an energy source in its own right. We will come with new legislation on the electricity market design; this will ensure that energy efficiency can compete on equal terms with generation capacity."

SOUNDBITE (English), Maros SEFCOVIC, European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union, "The Energy Union will make our energy system fit for the future, fit for a low-carbon and sustainable economy. An energy system that is driven by renewable energy sources and in which citizens, cooperatives or local communities can play a much more active role. Consumer empowerment is a key word in this regard."

SOUNDBITE (English), Maros SEFCOVIC, European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union, "New business sectors, new business models and new job profiles will emerge. To achieve this vision in the future, we need to start acting now."

SOUNDBITE (English), Maros SEFCOVIC, European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union, "I can already announce that, building on all the expertise we have in the house, the DGs and the Joint Research Center, I intend to present before the end of the year, the first edition of the annual State of the Energy Union. There is no time to waste; we need such an instrument, in order to constantly monitor where we make progress, and where we have to speed up our work."

SOUNDBITE (English), Jerzy BUZEK (EPP, PL), "We need efficient governance of the Energy Union. The EP has always expressed its strong support for more integrated energy policy. We EP should play an important role in the creation of the Energy Union and we are ready for such responsibility. Without Energy Union it will not be possible to achieve competitiveness, economic growth and the creation of jobs in the EU. Our citizens will not feel secure. Energy as political weapon will be in use in the years to come: so let us create Energy Union".

SOUNDBITE (English), Kathleen VAN BREMPT (S&amp;D, BE), "We need another balance when we look at our economy, we need to invest and there will not be Energy Union if we are not able to invest in renewable energy, energy efficiency and in our infrastructure. There we have of course the connection with the Juncker Plan; we are in the middle of the discussion here in the EP on the Juncker Plan and you can be assured that our group that our group will put your priorities, our priorities on the Energy Union in the middle of the discussion of the Juncker Plan".

SOUNDBITE (English), Morten Helveg PETERSEN (ALDE, DK), "This isn't just good for the environment and the energy security; it's also sound business sense and practice. And there are a lot of companies out there that save money for consumers and create jobs and growth in Europe, I invite the Commission to engage with companies like this as we have to find the best solutions for tomorrow's challenges and to communicate these opportunities to citizens as well as businesses".

SOUNDBITE (German), Rebecca HARMS (Greens/EFA, DE), "My fear is that the European Commission is missing out on some of the opportunities available to us in Energy Union. The Energy Union is a kind of vector for the future and what we have in the package isn't related to the technologies of tomorrow, it's far more related to yesterday's technology".