“The European Union is facing a tough challenge: that of assuring security of energy supply for all of its Member States, a better quality of life for its citizens and above all a better environment for us, and for our children.” This was the main message passed on by MEP Miriam Dalli when addressing the European Parliament debate on Europe’s Energy Security Policy.
Dalli represented the Socialists and Democrats in the development of this particular strategy, which is seen as the first step towards attaining a European Energy Union.
Dr Dalli said that this strategy would have a direct effect on the life of consumers around Europe, including those in Malta.
She stressed that we need to safeguard those men and women in the EU living in Energy poverty, and who do not even have the financial means to warm or cool their own houses.
"Reduced electricity tariffs will lead to improved living standards and to real economic growth” said the Maltese MEP.
She also touched upon energy isolated member states, the likes of Malta. While the situation in Malta has recently improved with the switching on of the electricity interconnector, Malta is still off the European gas grid.
“I come from Malta, a Member State with an isolated energy system. Hence I understand the need to end Member States’ energy isolation from the EU’s gas and electricity networks and to end the reliance on one particular source with all potential consequences if something goes wrong”, she explained.
Dalli also emphasized that we need an Energy Union that prioritises the protection of the environment, ensuring clean air for us to breathe and the reduction of emissions. This is why we need to work harder to ensure effective schemes that reduce emissions and pollutants, while safeguarding competitiveness, referring directly to the Emissions Trading Scheme.
“More than anything, we need to be more ambitious. We need to invest in more research and innovation in order to develop more technologies which generate cleaner energy.” she stressed.
She dubbed this as Europe’s common challenge. An opportunity that can offer a better quality of life to our citizens in all the European Member States, and which above all can offer a better environment for future generations.