CAN Europe’s input to the European Commission’s "Fitness check evaluating the EU energy security architecture"

On September 3, 2024, the European Commission launched a public consultation seeking input to evaluate the effectiveness and relevance of the EU framework on energy security. This framework is composed of the Gas Security of Supply (SoS) regulation and the Electricity Risk Preparedness regulation, but also aims at assessing the impacts of the emergency measures adopted by Member States or by the Commission in response to the 2022 energy crisis. CAN Europe welcomes this consultation as an opportunity to assess the EU’s energy security policies looking backwards at the lessons learned from the 2022 energy crisis. It also presents an important moment to look forward and redefine the concept of energy security in the light of the upcoming challenges created by the energy transition and the impacts of climate change. The 2022 energy crisis, triggered by Russia’s unjustified and full-scale invasion of Ukraine, exposed the EU’s over reliance on fossil fuels, particularly Russian gas. Rather than triggering policies to phase out fossil fuels, it led to a significant diversification of external gas supplies and a massive overexpansion of LNG import infrastructure. In light of growing geopolitical uncertainties and the unpredictable consequences of the climate crisis, we believe the energy security framework must be redefined to prioritise energy independence and transformation, putting people and the planet first. This can only be achieved by phasing out fossil fuels and shifting to a 100% renewable energy system. Therefore, we consider crucial that the revision of the energy security framework be structured based on the following principles:

Energy efficiency and gas demand reduction measures must come first
A framework for a full fossil fuel phase out
Enhanced interconnected grids and system flexibility for a 100% renewable energy system
Fighting fossil gas lock-in effect
Alignment with the climate laws, and especially the EU methane regulation

Read our full input, submitted on 26/11, here: Call for Evidence, Questionnaire

CAN Europe’s input to the European Commission’s “Fitness check evaluating the EU energy security architecture”