Source: European Parliament
The EU legislative framework on energy is designed to create a resilient Energy Union, which gives consumers, including households and businesses, access to secure sustainable and affordable energy, and to attract investments. This can only be achieved through coordinated action at EU, regional, national and local level.
The Renewable Energy Directive (EU) 2023/2413[1], for example, requires Member States to identify the impacts on the public when designating areas to accelerate the deployment of renewables and ensure public participation. Furthermore, the directive strengthens direct and indirect participation of local communities in renewable energy projects.
Direct participation is established energy communities and citizen energy communities[2]. Where plans or programmes in the energy sector are subject to environmental assessments[3], Member States need to ensure public consultation and participation before approving any decisions on such plans, programmes.
The Commission supports local authorities via the Covenant of Mayors[4] and the Smart Cities Marketplace[5], which provide platforms to engage cities to design plans, explore solutions, shape projects through technical assistance, and facilitate financing deals for their implementation.
Member States can seek specific support, including on promoting transparency and accountability of environmental or social impact assessments, under the Technical Support Instrument flagship initiative[6], which also offers support on citizen participation in renewable energy projects.
The President of the Commission tasked the Commissioner for Energy and Housing to develop a Citizens Energy Package to increase citizens’ participation in the energy transition.
- [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2023/2413/oj
- [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32019L0944
- [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2001/42/oj and https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2011/92/2014-05-15
- [4] https://eu-mayors.ec.europa.eu/en/home
- [5] https://smart-cities-marketplace.ec.europa.eu/
- [6] https://reform-support.ec.europa.eu/our-projects/flagship-technical-support-projects_en