The choice of
renewable energy and energy efficiency in
Europe
is logical and mature. There are numerous solutions offered by both
that lead to higher economic growth, job creation and energy security as well
as better consumer comfort. The only thing missing is a stable political and
regulatory framework which could be put in place by fully implementing the
renewable energy and energy efficiency directives. Members of Parliaments from
the European Union met in the Hellenic Parliament on 23rd and 24th November to
discuss those issues at the 12th Inter-Parliamentary Meeting in
Athens
.
"It is
obvious that there are numerous opportunities provided by renewable energy
sources and energy efficiency in
Greece
and the broader Mediterranean area. Therefore investment decisions have to be
wise, stable and promising. On the other hand, we, Members of the European
Parliament and Members of national parliaments, have to work on the effective
implementation of the renewable energy and energy efficiency directives in
order to provide security of investment," said EUFORES Vice-President Anni
Podimata (MEP Greece, S&D) at the conference.
The European
Forum for Renewable Energy Sources (EUFORES) organises this high-level
conference on renewable energy and energy efficiency every year in a different
parliament in the European Union. For many Members of Parliament from all EU
Member States, the Inter-Parliamentary Meeting has become an important platform
for discussion where they can exchange their national practices and elaborate
on planned policies.
Claude Turmes
(MEP Luxembourg, Greens/EFA), EUFORES President, believes that "the
policies of European governments play a crucial role as they shape the future
energy mix. Retroactive measures in some European countries are very unsettling
and undermine investor confidence. This crisis is a window of opportunity to
set the right and stable frameworks and this holds true even more for
Greece."
Many parliaments
from the EU were represented at this renewable energy focused conference where
they contributed their long standing experiences. "It is vital for a
country to use its own resources - be it sun, wind, water or geothermal
heat," said Antonio Leitão Amaro (MP Portugal, PSD). "They represent
stable energy sources not dependent on costly gas or uranium deliveries or
environmentally disturbing mining. What else if not renewable energy and energy
efficiency shall be our main energy choice?" continued Hans-Josef Fell (MP
Germany, Buendnis '90/ Die Gruenen).