Winning campaigns at the EU level
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Transcript of Winning campaigns at the EU level
Winning campaigns at the EU level
A case study of the Energy Efficiency Directive
ETNAR Seminar27/05/2014
Energy Efficiency
The cheapest, cleanest and most secure energy is that which a country doesn't use. It's in everybody's interest to use less energyWe can:
contribute to solving the climate crisisreduce household bills by up to 1000 Euros every yearcreate millions of green jobsAvoid false solutions such as shale gas and biofuels
Successful Europe wide action calls for strong political commitment. A binding energy savings target is the crucial first step.
Decision-making process
Draft (Commission)First reading in ParliamentFirst Reading in CouncilTrialogueImplementation
Decision-making process
Draft (
Commiss
ion)
First r
eadin
g in P
arliam
ent
First R
eadin
g in C
ounc
il
Trialog
ue
Imple
mentat
ion
Ability to influence
Ability to influence
Energy Efficiency Directive: Before the proposal was launched
The campaign was won or lost before the Commission proposal is releasedPro-active advocacy work is needed before this:
Own-initiative report on EE in Parliament set ambitionInfluence the Commission during drafting
Push-back from member states and industry can be strong in this early phasePreparation in member states to influence national decision-makers is vital
Rail-tour to key member statesContact with FoE groups in member states
Campaign launch, Feb 2011
Energy Efficiency Directive: European Parliament
Members of the European Parliament should be the closest to citizensUnderstand the key players, support the allies, and try to split the opponents
Rapporteurs for key committeesGreens were main allies, especially Claude Turmes
Develop contacts with assistantsBriefings, actions, t-shirts and postersPositive result in Parliament
Energy Efficiency Directive: European Parliament
Video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4J1IdjG6qY
Energy Efficiency Directive: European Council
Ministers from member states, represented in Brussels by “Permanent Representations”Typically has a role in weakening the legislation, under pressure from national interests, especially big businessPartners/FoEE groups needed in order to apply pressure at national levelTargeting in Brussels and at national level
Weaker position from Council
Energy Efficiency Directive: European Council
Video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJyZ4_Vjbyw
Energy Efficiency Directive: European Commission
Unelected officialsImportant to approach the key people (in Energy Efficiency unit of DG Energy) as well as through a broad range of other departmentsAsking Commission to clarify ambiguous points during the trialogue, led to clarification notes being released in line with our positions
Energy Efficiency Directive: European Commission
Energy Efficiency Directive: Other important elements
Become an expert: know your dossier, so people will call on you for information Build a coalition
NGOs, but also some voices from industryBuild national level coalitions
Use the mediaPress releasesMeetings with key journalistsLeaks and briefingsBlogs and opinion articles
Energy Efficiency Directive: Victory?
The Energy Efficiency Directive does not include binding targets or clear requirements for buildings renovations – both crucial if Europe is to benefit environmentally and economically from energy savingsThe central measure of the directive – an annual 1.5% savings target for energy companies – has effectively been reduced to 1%
Energy Efficiency Directive: Implementation
Although the Directive has been approved, it still needs to be implemented in all 28 EU member statesThere are loopholes to be closed, and pressure at national level could still make a difference
Energy Efficiency Directive: Other important elements
Don’t underestimate the power of big businessRules are needed tostop the excessive roleof business lobbyingWatch out for big push from business on deregulation, via TTIP