POSITION PAPERS

Energy Cities regularly publishes position papers as regards the various Community legislative documents in relation with its fields of action.

Whereas a municipality alone has little influence, Energy Cities is able to voice the over 1,000 members towards the European institutions.

Energy and climate objectives: Energy Cities members’ call for action - 25 April 2013 Stringent objectives have already been set for 2020, and the European Commission is now looking increasingly towards 2030 with the release of its related Green Paper. Very surprisingly, this document does not mention the key role to be played by local authorities. We are thus seizing this opportunity to highlight how much EU’s low-carbon future – and related economic prosperity – depends on cities’ contribution, and inviting others to join us in our actions towards the much-needed energy transition. Download: PDF - 497.4 kb

Open Letter to the President of the European Commission: "Local and regional authorities should not be ignored in the post-2020 climate and energy policy - April 2013 In an open letter addressing President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso, the Energy Cities network calls for the EU to reconsider its post-2020 climate and energy strategy, that should acknowledge the crucial role played by local and regional levels. Download: PDF - 538.8 kb

Joint Letter "Support for a dedicated follow-up of the Intelligent Energy Europe Programme" - April 2013 Eufores, EREC and the Coalition for Energy Savings - gathering almost 40 organisations- express their strong support for a dedicated follow-up of the successful Intelligent Energy Europe (IEE) programme. Download: PDF - 1.5 Mb

Energy Cities’ Position Paper on the European Investment Bank’s public consultation on its Energy Lending Policy - December 2012 The future EIB energy sector lending policy should accelerate the transition towards low energy cities with a high quality of life for all. As the future EU budget for the years 2014-2020 is, the EIB energy sector lending policies should also be closely linked to the five priorities of the EU 2020 strategy and especially to the EU energy and climate policy. Link to EIB consultation Download: PDF - 701.5 kb

Joint Open Letter: "Intelligent Energy Europe III: An essential sub-programme of Horizon 2020 to trigger local and regional innovation" - November 2012 To Member States and permanent representations "We urgently call on Member States to support the IEE programme as well.[...]" Download: PDF - 356.7 kb

Cohesion policy 2014-2020: priority to Covenant of Mayors signatories! - November 2012 Energy Cities calls for the future ERDF regulation to support local authorities voluntarily committed to the EU energy and climate objectives! Download: PDF - 265.5 kb

Joint Open Letter "Cohesion policy – Play the card of partnership" - November 2012 Open letter to the Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission on the Partnership principle in the Common regulation Download: PDF - 823.2 kb

European Mayors highlight the bottom-up dimension of the Covenant of Mayors - October 2012 “Zero fossil fuel cities”, “positive energy territories”, “passive” 100% renewable districts: local authorities are on the move, setting long-term objectives and shaping a future that is both sustainable and desirable, and acting practically through various initiatives. Download: PDF - 63.4 kb

Energy Cities’ Position paper Related to the European Commission’s public consultation on the IEE III programme in Horizon 2020 - The Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020) - September 2012 A strong support to innovative non-technological solutions is crucial for Europe’s energy transition. Download: PDF - 752.1 kb

Energy Cities’ Position paper on the European Commission’s proposal for the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing Horizon 2020 - The Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020) - May 2012 Energy Cities warns that achievement of Europe’s energy and climate targets might be endangered if non-technological solutions are neglected. Indeed, non-technological actions empowering local authorities & actors are essential for Europe’s success. They facilitate the implementation of the EU’s energy and climate policy at local level, prepare the field for successful uptake of sustainable technological solutions and investments and favour the acceptance of those innovations by the general public. Non-technological actions also help overcoming market failures, financial and regulatory barriers as identified by the European Commission in the Consultation Paper “Financial support for energy efficiency in buildings”. Download: PDF - 527.8 kb

Territories’ energy transition: Energy Cities’ members send 30 proposals to Rio+20 - May 2012 Twenty years ago, Rio de Janeiro hosted the most important world event for the future of humankind on the planet, leading to the adoption of an Agenda for the 21st century. The world has since changed. “Emerging” countries, progressively followed by “developing” countries, have become major worldwide players and are joining the ranks of the so‐called “developed” countries. Download: PDF - 155.8 kb

Energy Cities’ Position Paper on the European Commission’s legislative proposals for the EU Cohesion Policy 2014-2020 - April 2012 Energy Cities very much welcomes the legislative proposals for the future Cohesion Policy 2014-2020. The Commission proposals are a real breakthrough, giving for the first time an "urban" dimension to EU policies. Based on the excellent "Cities of Tomorrow" report, the proposed cohesion policy could really be a facilitator for boosting the energy transition in European cities. This change of energy paradigm, which relies upon the territorialisation of energy issues, also means the creation of local jobs, the fight against fuel poverty and finally a better quality of life for the citizens. Learn more: detailed background for our position paper Download: PDF - 647.7 kb

Energy Cities’ Position paper on the European Commission’s proposal for the Energy Efficiency Directive - October 2011 On 22 June 2011, the European Commission published its proposal for an Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), which repeals the Cogeneration Directive (2004/8/EC) and the Energy Services Directive (2006/32/EC). Energy Cities, the European Association of local authorities inventing their energy future, welcomes and recognises the priority given by the European Commission, the European Council and the European Parliament to saving energy and using energy more efficiently. Download: PDF - 650.3 kb

Energy Cities’ Position Paper on the European Commission’s proposal for the Multi-annual Financial Framework 2014-2020 - August 2011 On 29 June 2011, the European Commission published a proposal for the EU Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) for the period 2014-2020. The MFF will be negotiated and adopted by the European Council and the European Parliament by the end of 2012. It should be a key mechanism enabling the EU transition towards a low carbon and low energy economy. Download: PDF - 1.3 Mb

Energy Cities’ Position paper on the Covenant of Mayors’ future - July 2011 The Covenant of Mayors is the landmark EU initiative successfully delivering on the community’s climate and energy objectives at the local level. The approach upon which it is based is unprecedented, and its success largely undisputed.The number of local authorities joining the ranks of Covenant Signatories is growing by the day, and so is the number of regions, provinces and networks supporting their efforts. This has prompted decision-makers across all EU institutions to extend their support to the initiative, and call for its replication to other policy areas. Taking stock of these developments, Energy Cities has issued a position outlining its vision and contributing to the reflexion on the Covenant of Mayors’ future. Download: PDF - 459.5 kb

Energy Cities’ Position paper on Smart Cities & Communities Public Consultation - 18 May 2011 Energy Cities reaffirms its position that Smart Cities and Communities will live up to expectations only if it is clearly designed as the technological contribution to the Covenant of Mayors success in an unequivocal way. Download: PDF - 671.1 kb

Energy Cities’ Position paper on the Energy Efficiency Plan 2011 - 7 April 2011 Energy Cities publishes its opinion about the Energy Efficiency plan 2011 released by the European Commission on 8 march 2011. Languages: English, French. Download: PDF - 297.7 kb

Energy Cities’ Position paper on the Public Consultation on the Energy Roadmap 2050 - 22 March 2011 The decade ahead of us is supposed to place Europe on the track of a low energy, low carbon economy and of a more democratic society where all levels of responsibility are interconnected. It is time to use these objectives to devise local strategies for smart, sustainable and inclusive territories. Download: PDF - 462.4 kb

Joint Statement - Europe needs a strategy for heat! - 7 February 2011 Our associations are united by the belief that cities and local authorities hold the key towards accelerated transition to a sustainable energy future. We share the interest for heating and cooling as a market that provides important possibilities for better energy integration and efficiency. A market which is a giant not only in energy consumption but also as regards available near‐term low‐energy, low‐carbon solutions coming along with significant economic opportunities. Download: PDF - 151.1 kb

Energy Cities’ position paper to the Public Consultation on the Conclusions of the 5th Report on Economic and Social Cohesion - 31 January 2011 Europe and its citizens need energy efficient cities! Energy Cities welcomes the European Commission’s communication “REGIONAL POLICY CONTRIBUTING TO SUSTAINABLE GROWTH IN EUROPE 2020” from 26 January 2011 and the new orientations given to the European regional policy. These are in line with our opinion which goes even further, proposing concrete measures leading to the Europe-wide development of the low energy city with high quality of life for all concept that Energy Cities promotes! Download: PDF - 726.5 kb

Energy Cities’ position paper to the public consultation on the EU 2020 Energy Strategy The European Union is preparing a new energy strategy for 2011-2020. Energy Cities believes that this is a crucial moment to give a strong signal and trigger the right, innovative actions for the coming years. In its paper the network proposes to: Introduce a new Community Instrument : ‘URBAN – Sustainable Energy’’ Empower local authorities with financial engineering assistance to implement energy-efficient projects Initiate a public forum on the EU Energy Strategy through the prism of territorial cohesion Download: PDF - 382.2 kb

Joint Declaration - Covenant of Mayors in Western Balkans In 2009, EuropAid appointed experts to investigate the expectations cities have for New Independent States (NIS) with regards to energy and climate issues as well as the relevance of the Covenant of Mayors initiative for these countries. Experts concluded that the Covenant should be extended to these countries, albeit with a certain number of conditions. In the meantime, dozens of local authorities from these countries have already committed to reducing their CO2 emissions in their territories. As a result, DG AIDCO is to launch a call for tender in 2010 so as to establish a Covenant of Mayors Office dedicated to these countries. Link to the press release : en - fr Download: PDF - 189.9 kb

The Covenant of Mayors for making the EU 2020 Strategy a success The Annual General Meeting of Energy Cities convened in Salerno (IT) on 29th April 2010 adopted the following statement about the Covenant of Mayors. Download: PDF - 191.4 kb

Energie-Cités’ position paper in response to the European Commission’s working document "Consultation on the future "EU 2020" strategy" [COM(2009)647] The European Commission has recently published its “EU 2020 Strategy” which is designed as the successor to the current Lisbon Strategy. According to Energie-Cités, proposing a medium-term EU strategy is a welcome initiative. However, except for the few new ideas that are put forward, we consider that this paper is lacking in stamina, enthusiasm and ambition and regret that it is not conducive to a renewal of practices commensurate with the stakes at hand. We cannot afford to end up with a remake of the Lisbon Strategy! Download: PDF - 33.2 kb

Position paper of Energy Cities in response to the Action Plan on Urban Mobility [COM(2009) 490/5] Energy Cities welcomes the release of the Action Plan on Urban Mobility and thus focusing long awaited attention on urban traffic that is responsible for 40% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and 70% of pollutants deriving from road transport. Energy Cities sees different positive actions in the Plan but wonder if it goes far enough. Are the 20 actions it contains aligned with the EU’s “20-20-20” objective and - unrevised - will they meet the challenges related to energy and climate that the EU and its citizens will have to face before 2020 and beyond? Download: PDF - 129.1 kb

Display – ahead of its time Voluntary common: EU public building certification Energy Cities’ opinion paper on the EPBD policy process based on the Display Campaign experience. This paper strongly supports the recently accepted EU parliament amendment 94 of the EPBD recast. The idea to implement a voluntary common European Union certification for the energy performance of non-residential buildings in 2012 is something that has (since 2004) and continues to be carried out by Display Campaign participants. It is felt that this common approach will go a long way to reducing confusion and it is hoped that the gulf between Europe and its citizens be reduced. Download: PDF - 410.4 kb

Economic Recovery Plan - Restoring the 500 M€ for Cities ENERGY CITIES, EUROCITIES, CLIMATE ALLIANCE, ICLEI (AND SUPPORTED BY EREC) Providing proposals to the European Commission, the European Council and European Parliament for improving the European Economic Recovery Plan. Supporting cities that are committed to job creation through actions to achieve and surpass the EU energy and climate targets. Languages : English Download: PDF - 33.9 kb

Promotion of the use of energy from renewable energy sources The Proposal for a Directive aims to establish an overall binding target of a 20% share of renewable energy sources in energy consumption and a 10% binding minimum target for biofuels in transport to be achieved by each Member State, as well as binding national targets by 2020 in line with the overall EU target of 20%. Languages : English - French Download: PDF - 59.8 kb

Recasting of Energy Performance of Buildings Directive The European Commission launched a public consultation on the recasting of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2002/91/EC). The consultation will help the Commission gain input on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive from interested parties through an online questionnaire and thus enable it to better develop the new proposal. Languages : English - French Download: PDF - 60.6 kb

The new culture of urban transport In September 2007, the European Commission published a Green Paper. The question is: does this Green Paper go far enough? Are the proposals it contains aligned with the EU “3x20” objectives and will they – under their current definition – help the EU and its citizens tackle the energy and climate change challenges they are to face by 2020 and beyond? Current trends in the transport sector lead us to fear that this will not be the case! Languages : English - French Download: PDF - 67.9 kb

Growing Regions, Growing Europe: Fourth report on economic and social cohesion The public consultation was launched by DG Regional Policy on how the EU cohesion policy should adapt to new challenges and how its delivery can be improved in order to maximise its impact in the future. Languages : English Download: PDF - 50.1 kb

Green Paper on Adaptation to Climate Change in Europe This Green paper on adaptation examines climate change impacts in Europe, the case for action and policy responses in the EU. Energie-Cités welcomes this initiative starting of a European debate on the issue involving the local stakeholders. Langues : English Download: PDF - 32.3 kb

Leipzig Charter This charter is a document of the Member States, which has been drawn up with the broad and transparent participation of European Stakeholders. In the Knowledge of the challenges and opportunities as well as the different historical, economical, social and environmental backgrounds of European cities, the Member States’ Ministers responsible for Urban Development agree upon common principles and strategies for urban development policy. Charter: English - Français Download: PDF - 36.4 kb

Call for local authorities - Brasov resolution In March 2007, Energy Cities warmly welcomed the decisions of the European Council. Today, Energy Cities calls the local authorities to commit themselves to reach the EU energy and climate objectives. To reach these objectifs, Energy Cities is launching a call to local authorities to create a voluntary movement with all local stakeholders within their territories to imagine their energy future in this new context. Languages:English - French Download: PDF - 34.9 kb

Promotion of Heating and Cooling from Renewable Energies The European Commission has launched this public consultation to contribute to the Impact Assessment by providing a range of opinions and new and innovative ideas regarding the implementation and the impacts of different types of policies and measures that could be considered to promote heating and cooling from renewable energy sources. This consultation offers the opportunity to Energy Cities to define its opinion on this topic. Languages : English Download: PDF - 123.2 kb

Second « Intelligent Energy - Europe » Programme 2007-2013 The contribution of Energy Cities could guide the Commission to determine the overall objectives of SAVE (energy efficiency in buildings and industry), ALTENEER (new and renewable energy sources) and STEER (energy aspect in transport) which will continue in IEE-II. Languages : English Download: PDF - 138 kb

Heidelberg declaration: Energie-Cités requests the Commission a communication Energy Cities requests the Commission a communication on the role of local and regional authorities. At the latest Board of directors meeting in Heidelberg (DE) on the 22nd of June 2006, the Board adopted a declaration concerning the role of local and regional authorities in European energy policy. This declaration recommends that all local actors from all levels of society be involved. It constitutes our lobby direction for the coming year. Languages: English - French Download: PDF - 28.6 kb

Cohesion policy and cities The European Commission DG REGIO published on 23rd November 2005 a Commission staff working document entitled “Cohesion Policy and cities: the urban contribution to growth and jobs in the regions”. As this document mentions, among others, the energy efficiency, renewable energies and transport issues, Energy Cities prepared a related opinion which has just been published. Languages: French - English Working paper of the European Commission: English, Download: PDF - 42.7 kb

Green Paper on Energy Efficiency This initiative allows energy efficiency to be on the agenda of community concerns at the same time as energy prices continue to increase and the effects of climate change become felt more and more. Through the advice given by their board of directors, Energy Cities is actively participating in the debate following the release of the Green Paper . A number of points still need to be improved to ensure that energy efficiency remains at the heart of the Lisbon Strategy and that the pivotal role of local authorities is recognised. Languages: English - Français Download: PDF - 193.2 kb

Letter from mayors to European Commission With the supported of EU networks, local authorities are ready to do more to improve energy efficiency. We offer to be partners in reaching the ambitious 20% reduction objective. Here is the letter from EU mayors to the European Commission. Languages: English, French, German. Download: PDF - 80.2 kb

Eight messages for the G8 and European Union A call from local governments. The next G8 meeting will take place in July in Gleneagles in Scotland. Climate will be on the agenda of the meeting. Before that, the Energy and Environment Ministers, as well as the European Commissioners, met on 15th -16th March in London. In order to prepare these events and promote local authorities as Climate Protection partners, a document entitled "8 messages for the G8" was prepared by the Local Government Association (GB), the Council of European Municipalities and Regions-CEMR/Conseil des Communes et Régions d’Europe-CCRE, ICLEI, Climate Alliance and Energie-Cités. Languages: English, French Download: PDF - 110 kb

IEE programme consultation The European Commission has launched a Consultation relative to the integration of support programmes to energy efficiency (IEE Programme) in the Competitiveness and Innovative Programme (CIP), this one being integrated in the Lisbon process. This consultation offers the opportunity to Energy Cities to define its opinion on the relationships between Sustainable energy, Competitiveness and Innovation. Consultation document. Languages: English, French. Download: PDF - 233.2 kb

Directive on Energy Efficiency Services Promoting energy services is an important element for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This will be promoted through the planned Directive on "Energy Demand Management and Energy Efficiency Services" (Directive on "energy services"), which is intended to develop and encourage energy efficiency on the demand side, in particular that provided by utilities and related service companies in the form of energy services. Languages : English - Français Proposal of Directive : English - Français Download: PDF - 33.9 kb

Towards a thematic strategy on the urban environment The European Commission formally adopted, on 11th February 2004, the Communication "Towards a thematic strategy on the urban environment". Urban issues were completely forgotten by the Commission during its presentation of the 6th Environment Action Plan in 2001. The Communication sets out the major problems and challenges facing Europe’s towns and cities: sustainable urban management, sustainable urban transport, sustainable construction and sustainable urban design. Languages: English - Français Download: PDF - 26.8 kb

Towards a European strategy for the security of energy supply in Europe The Green Paper "Towards a European strategy for the security of energy supply in Europe", published in 2002, gives a clear priority to energy efficiency and renewables. Although it is not a legislative document, it is accepted by the main actors as a reference for all energy related actions. Languages:English - Français Download: PDF - 38.6 kb

Common rules for the internal markets in electricity and natural gas The amended "Directives concerning common rules for the internal markets in electricity and natural gas", adopted in June 2003, organise the future framework of electricity and gas, making all European consumers eligible, from 2004 onwards and at the latest by 2007 for the domestic sector, as well as integrating some components related to general interest services. Languages:English - Français Download: PDF - 14.5 kb

Promotion of Electricity from Renewable Sources of Energy The "Directive on the Promotion of Electricity from Renewable Sources of Energy in the Internal Electricity Market" was adopted in September 2001. Its purpose is to promote an increase in the contribution of renewable energy sources to electricity production in the internal market for electricity and to create a basis for a future Community framework. Languages:English - Français Download: PDF - 121.4 kb

Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings The "Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings" (2002/91/EC) adopted in December 2002, recognised that more than 40% of EU energy consumption is in the building sector and that there is a powerful incentive to propose a coherent package of measures to improve energy efficiency in this sector. Languages:English - Français Download: PDF - 184.8 kb

Directive on the promotion of cogeneration The "Directive on the promotion of cogeneration based on a useful heat demand in the internal energy market" should be adopted very soon. The initial aim of the Directive is to strengthen existing measures to promote CHP in line with the Community target of doubling the share of CHP in EU electricity generation from 9% in 1994 to 18% by 2010. But no target has been mentioned. Languages:English - Français Download: PDF - 18.4 kb

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