How should we tackle the European Union energy crisis: here is what our MEPs say

Chamber in Brussels Chamber in Brussels
© Mira Bell

Interviews with MEPs

At the end of March, we went inside the European Parliament to interview several MEPs about their views on the energy crisis in Europe and what can be done to solve it. Luckily, we can all agree that we need to give priority to sustainable renewables and their expansion on a European level. Check out portions of their interviews below.  

05-18-22

Installation in front of the Parliament

A fitting motto...

© Mira Bell
EuroNatur Employees in front of the Parliament

EuroNatur employee's Bruna Campos and Tara Sukic conducted the interviews.

© Mira Bell

With the EU’s dependency on gas and oil from Russia, the EU’s target to reduce its carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 is, more than ever, an important target to reach. We need to work together to build a stronger, resilient, self-reliant Europe. The future direction of the EU to move towards 100% renewables needs a clear long-term framework. 

Solutions need to be holistic and avoid all-but-green energy solutions such as hydropower and woody biomass that destroy nature and put local communities at risk. Achieving a balance between this energy system shift and the protection of nature will mean finding solutions that are win-win for climate and nature. The revision of the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED) will be a key driving force. A fit-for-purpose RED would ensure a clean, resilient, affordable and secure energy system also through the spread of renewable energy communities with low impact on biodiversity. Read EuroNatur’s position paper here.

As part of our #RED4Nature campaign, we want to show EU citizens what decision-makers have to say about how to achieve climate and biodiversity objectives. During the last week of March 2022, several MEPs shared their opinion on the future of the EU's energy system.

Here is what they said to our questions:

  • Given the EU’s dependency on Russian gas and oil, would the solution for the EU be to decentralise the energy system and increase energy from renewable energy communities?

    Mikuláš Peksa, MEP, Group of the Greens / European Free Alliance, says we need to steer clear of fossil fuels and instead use renewable energy and decentralise our energy sources.

    https://twitter.com/EuroNaturORG/status/1514512027191939073


    Viola von Cramon-Taubadel, MEP, Greens / EFA, says it is critical to have clean, climate-friendly energy solutions, as well as improve energy efficiency measures and reduce consumption in the EU.

    https://twitter.com/EuroNaturORG/status/1511609914451501056

Join us in our campaign for a future EU that prioritises energy that tackles both the climate and biodiversity crises. Get in contact with us to learn about more ways to engage with your political representatives. Email: red4nature(at)euronatur.org

 

Read also our other blog posts

 

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