The “Energy Union” package aims to provide affordable, safe and sustainable energy for Europe and its citizens. The EU must reduce spending on energy imports. These imports cost about 350 billion euros a year, making the EU the largest energy importer in the world. In addition, the EU must achieve the goals of the 2030 Climate and Energy framework objectives for fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions. The European Union must also modernise urban infrastructures, integrate its energy markets and coordinate national energy prices.
At the same time, the EU is integrating more sub-state levels into its policies, programs and other development instruments. It dedicates several support and funding mechanisms that facilitate the emergence and implementation of local projects. Yet, the European design must now find a popular base between local authorities and rely on new partnerships and new funding sources. In this context, the link between the European institutions and the local authorities is strategic.
In light of electoral deadlines, taking into account the awareness of citizens, local elected representatives, States and the European Union, aware that a new dynamic requires increased visibility with the European institutions, governments and Parliaments of the Union countries, it seems appropriate to take an offensive action to promote regions, energy and environmental agencies, community associations and their members as well as all public & private decision-makers and highlight innovations, exchanges of experience and project development.
This is the ambition of the “General Journal of Europe” through the opening of a Dossier dedicated specifically to energy, the energy transition and the environment. At the heart of Europe’s political, economic, social and cultural society, the General Journal of Europe is today positioned as the institutional press organisation of reference. It is intended for all European institutions and MEPs, but also for member governments and their parliamentarians, investment banks, European development agencies, national offices in Brussels and European offices abroad and to all public and private decision-makers in Europe.
David DUBOIS
Editorial Director
