Issue 102
January 2022
ISSN 2315-0017
EU Newsflash
- 1 January 2022: French Presidency of the Council of the European Union (1 January–30 June 2022) begins.
Spotlight on European energy
The recent spike in gas and electricity prices has put EU energy policy at the centre of public attention. In October 2021, the European Commission presented a toolbox of measures to tackle the crisis and help the EU Member States mitigate the impact of temporary energy price rises.
Alongside short-term solutions, the toolbox also presents medium-term measures that build on the EU's commitment to creating an energy union, which was proposed by the Commission in 2015 and has progressed since then. The targets of the EU energy union are tied with climate targets and have become the backbone of the European Green Deal. They outline five interrelated policy tasks: increasing energy security, solidarity and trust; creating a fully integrated European energy market; improving energy efficiency; decarbonising the economy; and supporting research, innovation and competitiveness.
The recent crisis highlighted the need to move forward towards these goals. 'The only long-term remedy against demand shocks and price volatility is a transition to a green and more efficient energy system based on mostly local sources,' said Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simon, when presenting the Commission's toolbox.
This first edition of our newsletter for 2022 features EU publications related to energy, one of the topics with the highest priority within the EU, along with publications on several other interesting topics.
Tackling Rising Energy Prices PDF
A toolbox for action and support
The EU is facing a sharp spike in energy prices, driven by increased global demand. Energy supply is currently not at risk and markets expect prices to stabilise by April 2022. Under existing rules, the EU and its Member States have the tools to mitigate the effects of sudden price volatility in the energy market. The 'toolbox' presented by the Commission will help Member States to support consumers and industry.
Available in all official languages of the EU except Irish
EU Energy Markets and Energy Prices PDF
2021
This factsheet presents the benefits of a well-functioning, integrated EU energy market with cross-border infrastructure. Such a market delivers high-quality energy services and products to all Europeans while providing a shield against price and supply fluctuations.
Available in all official languages of the EU except Irish
Statement on Energy Prices in Europe PDF
Put people at the centre of energy policy
In response to the substantial increase of energy prices in Europe over recent months, the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors to the European Commission published this statement based on their June 2021 opinion on A Systemic Approach to the Energy Transition in Europe. In their statement, the advisors point out that accelerating the transition towards a low-carbon energy system is a solution that can lower energy prices in the long term.
Available in English
EU Energy in Figures PDF/Paper
Statistical pocketbook 2021
The energy sector is one of the pillars of growth, competitiveness and development for modern economies. This publication provides an overview of the most relevant annual energy-related statistics for the European Union as a whole and for each of its Member States. If you have a special interest in EU energy figures, the relevant dataset is also at your disposal.
Available in English
EU Energy System Transformation PDF
Cost of non-Europe
The European Union's energy system is on a path of transformation that should allow it to achieve a net-zero emissions target by 2050. However, there are many challenges ahead that require profound structural changes. In this context, this report looks at what the consequences would be if the EU does not take further ambitious and united action in the transformation of its energy system. The cost of non-Europe in this area is estimated at up to 5.6 % of EU gross domestic product in 2050, and avoiding this will require EU budgetary, regulatory and coordination action.
Available in English
Energy Union Indicators Webtool DATASET
The energy union indicators show the progress made in the five dimensions of the energy union in European countries and the EU as a whole. They provide a consistent way of tracking the outcomes of energy and climate policies, and demonstrate how the EU is working towards its energy and climate objectives. To access the webtool, visit the page and click on the 'Download' button.
Available in English
Research and innovation
CORDIS Results Pack on Solar Heat for Power and Industry PDF
The sun could be the world's largest source of electricity by 2050, ahead of fossil fuels, wind, hydro and nuclear. Specifically, solar thermal electricity from concentrated solar power systems could provide over 10 % of the world's electricity by mid century, and prevent the emission of billions of tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. This CORDIS results pack showcases some of the cutting-edge projects in research and innovation that boost development of concentrated solar power and encourage uptake of solar thermal energy.
Available in English (Individual article also available in English, French, German, Italian, Polish and Spanish on the CORDIS website)
Also out recently
A Short Guide to the EU PDF/Paper
Ever wondered which EU Member States use the euro or what it means to be part of the Schengen area? What the European Green Deal is and how it will make your life better? What exactly the EU does for you and where the money comes from to pay for it all? This publication will give answers to all these questions, and more.
Available in all official languages of the EU
Impact of COVID-19 on Young People in the EU PDF/Paper
Following a long recovery from the economic crisis (2007–2013), young people in the EU proved to be more vulnerable to the effects of the restrictions put in place to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. They were more likely than older groups to experience job loss, financial insecurity and mental health problems. This report explores the effects of the pandemic on young people, particularly in terms of their employment, well-being and trust in institutions, and assesses the various policy measures introduced to alleviate these effects.
Available in English
Ready to Make the Move? PDF
What you need to know about living and working abroad – and so much more
Do you fancy a change of scenery? Do you want to develop your professional and personal skills? Are you finding it hard to get work locally? Are you interested in discovering other countries and cultures? Might your skills be worth more to an employer in another European country? Are you ready for a new challenge in life? If you answered yes to any of the above, this booklet could be just what you need. It is designed for anyone who is thinking of moving to live and work abroad – or else, commuting daily to work in a neighbouring country as a cross-border worker.
Available in English
You may also like
New trends in the development of volunteering in the European Union PDF
Volunteering is continuously changing: new people become volunteers, new forms of activities arise and new parties become involved. This publication contains the results of a research project on changes in the European Union within the field of volunteerism, volunteering and volunteer activities.
Available in English
Variety on the Plate PDF
Traditions and recipes of the European culinary culture
Food is far more than sustenance. What we eat affects our whole world – our physical and mental health as well as our environment. Dietary diversity supports the diversity of ecosystems and societies, and is a powerful instrument that has an impact on life on earth, both positively and negatively. These are thoughts that the initiator of this book, Dr Miko (who was until very recently Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Slovakia), would like readers of this (more than) cookbook to take away.
Available in English and Slovak
A smart kid's guide to the online world of wonders PDF
Set of potions and magical tools for kids to use on the internet
Jump into the wonderful and peculiar world of the internet with this guide on how it works, the magic of programming, and how to freely roam this landscape in a safe and secure way. Learn how to think critically about strangers you meet online, scams, fake news and claims by internet personalities. Be inspired by stories about the lives and work of a security expert and a game designer. And along the way, you can polish up your internet skills by taking on a series of fun challenges.
Available in all official languages of the EU
Our news
The Publications Office of the European Union welcomes its new Director-General!
At the end of last year, the Publications Office of the European Union welcomed its new Director-General, Hilde Hardeman, who was appointed as of 1 December 2021. Ms Hardeman previously served as Head of the European Commission's Service for Foreign Policy Instruments. She joined the Commission in 1994 and held the position of Deputy Head of Cabinet to the Commission's Vice-President for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness; headed the Commission President's briefing team; and was in charge of the units for relations with Belarus, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine. Hilde Hardeman holds a PhD in Slavic philology and history from the University of Leuven, which she obtained after studies at Leuven, Stanford University and the École des hautes études en sciences sociales in Paris.
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