Dossier

A fair participation in the EU's energy transition

This shift from fossil fuels to renewables promises affordability and energy security but poses challenges in equitable implementation. Vulnerable households often face disproportionate burdens, highlighting the need for socially inclusive policies. Innovative measures like energy sharing, dynamic tariffs, and local transition management are emerging to bridge these gaps. A new report with the Green European Foundation explores how citizens can benefit better from the energy transition.

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EUSEW2025 | Energy for citizens: understanding what consumers truly need - euenergyweek

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Strengthening citizens’ participation in the EU’s energy transition – a toolbox

Analysis
Europe’s switch to renewable energy supply and efficient energy consumption is gaining momentum, not only as a result of the European Green Deal but also in reaction to the fossil fuel price crisis. EU legislation already creates some opportunities for citizens to access affordable renewable energy more directly, as well as to facilitate energy savings through, for example, building renovation.
By Taube Van Melkebeke and Jörg Mühlenhoff
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3 Questions on fair participation in Europe’s energy transition to Claire Roumet

3 Questions
When the EU accelerates its shift to a clean and efficient energy system, how can citizens benefit better from this transition? Local authorities play a key role in facilitating citizens’ access to renewables and energy savings measures. Jörg Mühlenhoff asked three questions to Claire Roumet who is part of the Overall Coordination Team of Energy Cities, the network of several hundred European municipalities gathering frontrunners and energy transition beginners, city officials and technical experts.
By Jörg Mühlenhoff and Claire Roumet
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Safeguarding essential household energy consumption: the role of the rising block

Factsheet
Core services, including energy, food, water, housing and healthcare, are essential for a decent standard of living. The economic dynamics of these services in Europe, however, vary greatly, particularly in the extent of commercialisation. Essential healthcare stands out as a service delivered largely outside of the market; by contrast, food and energy are commercialised in most European countries. The commercialised status of energy in Europe can have an impact on living standards, particularly when accompanied by inadequate regulation.
By Alex Chapman
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Smart, fair and flexible: lessons from the smart meter rollouts in Great Britain

Analysis
Smart energy technologies can enable citizens to benefit from cheap renewable energy. They potentially optimise the use of our energy infrastructure, promising lower societal costs. However, one-size-fits-all solutions will not work when it comes to their daily use – with potentially significant risks to vulnerable households already struggling with fuel poverty. An inclusive smart energy transition should target the consumers most in need with more nuanced policies.
By Nickhil Sharma

Accelerating the European Energy Transition

Policy Paper
In order to advance the European energy transition and distribute the costs and benefits more fairly, the EU must find better steering instruments. This policy paper provides recommendations for the necessary acceleration of the European energy transition.
By Julian Schwartzkopff

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