The voice of the regions in Brussels
The European Federation of Agencies and Regions for Energy and the Environment (Fedarene) defends the regional approach to the European institutions to weigh in particular on the development of legislation.
Is the region the right level to act on the energy transition?
At the European Energy Transition Conference, held in Bordeaux last January, Maroš Sefcovic, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of energy, said the energy transition was not happening in Brussels, but in the territories. Indeed, thanks to their responsibility (energy, transport, housing …), their proximity to the citizens, their in-depth knowledge of the territory and their greater flexibility than the national governments, the regions and their energy agencies play a role. central role in energy and climate issues.
When was the Fedarene born?
Our federation has existed for 27 years, when six regional energy agencies in France, Belgium and Spain united with the idea of speaking with one voice in Brussels. Today, it has 83 members, regions or energy agencies, of varying sizes, from 20 European countries (including two outside the EU, Norway and Moldova). Fedarene is recognised by the European institutions (Commission, Parliament, Committee of the Regions …). It has offices in Brussels with permanent staff, the number of which should increase with the increasing role of the regions in the energy transition.
What is the purpose of your association?
Fedarene has a lobbying role. It is not a matter of putting political pressure on Brussels, but of making our voices heard and of participating as much as possible in the process of drafting legislation. For example, this work has recently resulted in the federation’s positioning on the recent Clean Energy package.
How does communication between members of Fedarene work?
Fedarene members exchange a lot about their own experience. The communication between us is very good, better sometimes than between regions of the same country. The federation participates in many events where our members are represented. I sit on the board of directors of the Covenant of Mayors and the association is a member of the secretariat. It also organizes two annual events in Brussels. The first, during the European Sustainable Energy Week in June and during the European Week of Regions and Cities (formerly “Open Doors”), in October. Two years ago (2015), we created the Roger Léron Prize (President of the Fedarene from 1995 to 2007) to promote the best contributions to energy policies at local and regional levels in Europe.
Finally, the idea of creating regional investment advisory platforms is emerging. They would allow, among other things, the aggregation of small energy efficiency projects distributed in several regions of the European Union within a larger project, which would maximize the use and access to EFSI ( European Funds for Strategic Investments).
