Representatives of PES member parties and organisations, MEPs, trade unionists, and others convened online to discuss the energy implications of the conflict in Ukraine and to finalise the PES paper Affordable and clean energy for all.
Network Chair, Javi Lopez MEP, said:
“Extraordinary circumstances require extraordinary actions. We need to protect our citizens from extremely high energy bills whilst also ensuring we do not fund Putin’s war in Ukraine. A truly sustainable future for Europe is the only answer.
“This Network has discussed the energy challenges Europe faces and I am very proud of the actions we are putting forward.
“Progressives are acting on this crisis. European Commission Executive Vice-President Timmermans has presented REPowerEU to fight the energy crisis and reduce reliance on Russian gas. This builds on his excellent work through the European Green Deal to ensure an environmentally sustainable, just, future for all citizens.
“As socialist and democrats we are focused on supporting the most vulnerable now and accelerating our environmental goals for the long-term too. The implementation of the Green Deal and the clean energy transition are the answer for many challenges.”
The meeting held an exchange with Nicolas Gonzalez Casares, the S&D Shadow Rapporteur on the Renewable Energy Directive, on the actions that the S&D is pushing for.
The Network agreed that the implementation of the European Green Deal and the adoption of the Fit for 55 package have become even more urgent. These policies will: ensure Europe protects the most vulnerable, who are most exposed to climate change challenges; protect the environment and our planet; and, increase Europe’s resilience and strategic autonomy.
The green transition is not a concern of climate policy only: it is a question of energy security, solidarity and social fairness too. The European Green Deal is the way to achieve a more sustainable and socially fair future, and this has always been clear for the socialist political family.
