Resolution Briefings by Media Teams of EYP Germany

Resolution Briefings

AFET #nordstream2 Securing gas supply for good: Given the controversy around Nord Stream 2 as well as Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s energy dependence on Russia, what stance should the EU take to ensure both a solidary and diversified supply of gas? By Nora Schmiedbauer The committee on Foreign Affairs tackled the most pressing issues concerning the construction of Nord Stream 2, a natural gas pipeline leading from Russia via the Baltic Sea to Germany, striving for a diversified supply of gas while trying to consider the different stances of all EU Member States.

Naturally, the topic presents itself as very controversial since all potential measures to be taken, would impact involved EU countries greatly. If Nord Stream 2 was finalised, Ukraine would be at risk of losing a major part of their national income as it currently receives over 2 billion dollar of transit fee per year. Germany, on the other hand, would highly profit from the new route. The Nord Stream 2 pipeline has already partially been built, however criticism was raised on the current pipeline assessment, including environmental aspects. The assessment is accused to lack objectiveness as it was commissioned by Gazprom, a main gas exporter which is over 50% owned by the Russian state. For this reason, AFET suggests the ACER (Agency for Cooperation of Energy Regulators), which was created under the Third Energy Package of the EU, to reassess the

situation. The latter was proposed by the European Commission and came into force in 2009, legislating the internal gas and electricity market. One of the main objectives of the latter, which AFET strongly supports, is the promotion of competition and distancing from monopolies, resulting in lower prices for consumers, higher security of supply for Member States as well as further diversification of gas providers. In order to achieve fair natural gas prices within the European Union, AFET insists on eliminating the oil index pricing as a factor in cost calculations, establishing the same preconditions for all EU Member States. Consequently, the value is to be exclusively calculated upon the international market price. Considering potential future conflicts and developments, AFET stresses the importance of investment in natural gas storage facilities and interconnection pipelines between EU Member States. Lastly, the committee points towards maintenance and repair of existing pipelines as well as the promotion of alternative energy sources.

DEVE #climatejustice Climate Justice: Keeping the right to development in mind, how can the EU exercise its soft power to ensure a global commitment to tackle climate change, whilst safeguarding the rights of those affected most by its consequences? By Zain Mumtaz Climate change has more than ever become one of the most relevant discussions not only for leaders who take direct action in change but also for ourselves. However, with President Trump withdrawing from the Paris agreement being an example, not all leaders of the world are committed to take the action that is needed in the area of climate change. The committee on Development has pointed out the unbalanced relationship to face climate change economically as well as the assistance that is needed to combat it. DEVE also points out that not all of the EU Member States are on the same speed of progress when it comes to climate protection. Therefore DEVE has proposed to recognise its legal responsibilities to assist these countries in becoming more independent by further developing their green energy sector. This assistance will be funded by the EU internal policy.

veloping countries or where the education is needed. DEVE recognises the importance of the Paris agreement to achieve the target of sustainability. The committee still aims for collaboration even after President Trumpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s withdrawal from the Paris agreement. As the committee sees the importance to tackle climate issue with important actors. The committee also aims for a legal framework that prioritises climate change that also impacts every individual, therefore they aim for climate right to become part of the Convention of Human Rights. DEVE wants to add a new refugee status for those who are impacted by the climate change. Thus refugees from areas affected by climate change can apply for a â&#x20AC;&#x153;climate refugee statusâ&#x20AC;?.

The committee also recognises the lack of education as one of the programs for our future generation to understand the impact of climate change. Therefore DEVE wants the EU to encourage the further funding of educational programs on climate change in de3

ENVI #airpollution Cleaner air for all: With many Europeans experiencing high air pollution in their cities, how can energy policy and regulation apply to electricity generation, heat production and transport in order to improve air quality? By Millie Smith Air pollution knows no boundaries and causes 467000 of premature deaths in Europe every year. This figure shocked the ENVI Committee and they suddenly became very aware of the pressing nature of this topic. The Committee sought to identify the main pollutants and focus their resolution on these areas. They became greatly concerned by transport, heat generation and electricity generation industries and set out to changing this pollutant industrial activity through both legislative reforms and other initiatives.

The fact that transportation remains a major source of greenhouse gases within the EU created a deep sense of urgency amongst the committee. They encourage Member States to be bold and stop the purchase of diesel and petrol engine vehicles in public transport by 2025. They also encourage an expansion in vehicle free zones in big European cities, an increase in taxes on high GHG emitting vehicles and the creation of a road map developing green public transport in Member States.

In light of the fact that an analysis of 257 of the EUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 280 coal plants found that their emissions caused the deaths of 22,900 people, the Committee urges a ban on coal. They also favour the continuing operation of nuclear power plants, in order to ensure a smooth transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy in the future. The Committee proposes legislative reforms to improve the quality of the air. They propose a limit on Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) allowances. These certificates will also have an expiry date, to prevent growth in the market for certificates. They also propose a two-tier Paris agreement; with a higher and lower tier. The lower tier will remain similar to the current Paris Agreement but the higher tier will bind signatories to their promises.

ITRE I #renewables Renewables becoming mainstream: what effective and economically efficient policies should the EU and its member states prioritise in order to accelerate the integration of renewable electricity, heating and transport? By Katarina Stefanovic During the previous days of the Power Shifts Academic Forum Heidelberg, the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy I has been discussing how the EU can integrate renewable energy sources more effectively and in more economically efficient ways. The climate on our planet is changing due to the massive rise in fossil fuel consumption since the industrial revolution. Non-renewable sources of energy have been proven to be a quick fix for the enormous surge in energy consumption and a certain money maker for some, but their effect on the environment is starting to get more and more noticeable. More widespread research on the use of renewable sources has been engaged, but not widespread enough for the committee.

trying to solve these issue in various ways - from ensuring transparency and financial security of the production development and tackling the low level of diversification of renewable energy sources. The committee proposes that Member States set new individual energy goals and introducing benefits for green companies.

Several facts play a role in the stalling implementation of renewable energy sources, ranging from economic, social and technical objections and challenges. Throughout the previous days, the committee has been

ITRE II #efficiency Timing matters: what measures should the EU take in order to increase energy efficiency from production to consumption and across sectors? ByTheresa Lindlahr Efficiency can seem like a luxury in one’s daily life, but once it concerns a city, a region or a country, efficiency becomes indispensable. Within the EU the high energy demand can not be matched by its primary production, mainly due to the latter’s drop of 17.3% from 2004 to 2014. Other reasons for the imbalance are the lack of natural resources and infrastructure as well as inefficient insulation in buildings and technology, causing energy waste. Thus, to avoid energy dependency whilst also securing energy supply, increased efficiency is tantamount. The Committee of ITRE II therefore calls upon the EU to invest in research and development of technologies such as hyper-conductive materials and energy efficient appliances. Most importantly though, they prioritize the further development and implementation of smart-grids and smart meters which promise to counter energy waste and include irregular sources of energy such as renewables. Aside from

the grid’s digitalisation, they put emphasis on the installation of interconnectivity grids to meet the EC’s 15% interconnection target of 2030. The energy unification of regional grids into the Supergrid aims to facilitate efficient transport of energy. Paired with the removal of cross-border energy restrictions the smart and super grids will help make the use of all energy produced in the EU efficient and promote trade between MS. On top, the support of SMEs through long-term contracts in the renewable energy sector will help realise their potential to liberalise the energy market and thereby affect the innovation of the sector. Finally, aiming to improve energy efficiency in consumption as well, ITRE II recommends its inclusion in school curricula and instructs EU-wide harmonisation of energy labels, regulations and standards.

ITRE III #smes Accelerating ICT innovation: with SMEs and startups shaping energy transition and innovation how can the EU support its economy to get to the forefront of managing a successful energy transformation? . . By Utkan Dora OncUl The Committee of ITRE III acknowledges the power of SMEs in transitioning Europe to renewable energy, and therefore, aims to facilitate changes for Europe’s public and private support on SMEs.

Likewise, ITRE III encourages Member States to follow supply side policies for SME’s to encourage investment in digitalisation and self-sustainable production to spur longterm sustainable economic growth.

Among the three pillars of energy transition (decarbonisation, decentralisation, digitalisation), ITRE III prioritises solutions focused on digitalisation believing that it will stimulate the other two aspects.

The absence of an innovative infrastructure in transport, storage and production of energy keeps SMEs from becoming aware of their potential in energy transition. The ones that are aware have struggles finding economic security.

As the smaller infrastructure of SMEs enables innovative changes to be implemented faster, they often take the lead in research and development in the field of energy. This makes SMEs vital for digitalisation of energy and ITRE III is proposing a strategy helping shape the energy transition. The lifetime of an SME consists of three stages: Start, Development and Stability. Unfortunately, very few reach the second stage therefore, ITRE III suggests favourable fiscal policies to be implemented by Member States to support SME’s development.

The communication between investors and startups are currently frail so the resolution aims to improve existing internet networks in terms of reliability, reachability, precision and popularity. Ultimately, ITRE III wants to strengthen the financial communication between SMEs and investors to accelerate the energy transition by efficient allocation of resources.

REGI #digitalsociety Energy as a commons? With paradigms, new markets and opportunities arising with digitalisation and democratisation in the energy sector, how can regulation be designed in such a way that energy systems in these markets are equitable and ensure participation across society? By Aijan Muktar The Committee on Regional Development (REGI) focused on making energy systems more equitable and ensure participation across society, while adjusting to current trends in energy, the 4Ds: digitalisation, decarbonisation, decentralisation and democratisation. They believe that this will be achieved through the implementation of smart grids throughout Europe while ensuring advantages for customers, who become prosumers. A smart grid is a two-way communication electricity network between an appliance, such as a water kettle and its consumers. This allows immediate responses to shifting demand as well as helps foster a better implementation of renewable energy systems. Keeping in mind the REGI’s priorities, which were energy efficiency, consumer involvement and regional cohesion, their main objective was to find measures for a long-term solution, while progressively shifting the energy scenery in Europe, by focusing on four different areas - the technical, economic,

regulatory and societal aspects. The main issues that the committee aimed to tackle with their resolution revolve around the management of data, prices, consumer involvement and investment as well as that of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The committee aims to facilitate customers’ entrance into smart grids, as well as increase consumer participation by making funding of companies dependant on customer participation in the decision-making process. By dividing the data into two categories, long and short-term as well as setting criteria, the committee aims to ensure consumer protection and more opportunities for grid users. REGI also seeks for SMEs’ involvement through financial incentives such as tax-reduction and through strategic partnerships with bigger companies. Finally, with this resolution, disparities across Europe are aimed to be bridged in the future by preparing the connection of Member States’ smart grids to form one european-wide energy exchange system.

TRAN #mobility The future of human mobility: In light of increasing travel demand across all modes of transportation, how can the EU ensure mobility is both accessible and diverse as well as sustainable and carbon-free? By Elina Stavridou The main challenge TRAN was tasked to face was maintaining balance in the future of transportation. TRAN has opted for a Modal Shift from private transportation systems to public ones that are more sustainable in the long run. After Committee Work discussions, the committee agreed to offer financial incentives for both municipalities and individual consumers to positively affect consumer behaviour, while prioritising innovative services offered by intelligent transportation systems. One of the controversial points of debate was the question of the privatisation of railway lines, which was eventually dismissed. Instead the committee decided to suggest, Public Private Partnerships for the bus sector. At the same time, accessibility to public transportation is promoted in the resolution. Finally, the committee recognises that the responsibility for urban planning and transportation systems lies with local authorities, TRAN consequently encourages knowledge sharing among cities via information sharing platforms, such as the European Innovation Partnership on Smart Cities and Communities.

Furthermore, after discussing a proposed amendment of Lobby Night calling for the addition of points in the resolution that address social justice in transportation, the committee finally decided to advocate further adoption an intelligent bus and taxi system to further improve the public transport system in rural areas. The committee stresses that multimodal transportation fosters social justice in itself by the improvement of accessibility of transport to all.