Brussels, 28 May 2024 – Today, REScoop.eu welcomed the Belgian Energy Minister, Tinne Van der Straeten, who signed our EU elections Manifesto.. This event underscores the critical role of energy cooperatives and energy communities in Europe’s energy transition and reinforces Belgium’s commitment to people-centered energy policies during its EU presidency.

The signing took place at the REScoop.eu offices in Brussels, where Minister Van der Straeten endorsed the Manifesto, titled "Europe’s energy transition: active energy citizens take ownership." This manifesto highlights the vision of REScoop.eu and its member energy communities, emphasizing the democratic right of citizens to influence and own their energy future in the upcoming EU elections.

Within the energy sector, energy communities have demonstrated their efficacy as vehicles for sustainable development and prosperity. They invest in producing, sharing, supplying, and distributing electricity, and heating, and cooling from renewable energy sources. Additionally, they support their members in engaging with energy efficiency, citizen-led renovations, alleviating energy poverty, promoting flexibility, and embracing shared e-mobility. The potential of community energy is enormous: by 2050, around 45 % of renewable energy production in the EU could come from citizens. Yet citizens still face a disproportionate amount of hurdles in carrying out these activities.

Despite the recognition and support for energy communities in EU legislation - including the Clean Energy Package, Fit for 55, and REPowerEU - Member States have been sluggish in developing and implementing concrete on-the-ground policies and measures that facilitate citizen ownership. Ongoing efforts must be accelerated to fully unlock the meaningful role of active energy citizens in addressing climate change. REScoop.eu’s Manifesto outlines ten policy priorities aimed at unlocking the full potential of energy communities to contribute to the EU's energy security and transition

Dirk Vansintjan, president of REScoop.eu, expresses his enthusiasm about the Minister's visit: “We were delighted to welcome Minister Van der Straeten. Her support exemplifies the importance of political backing for citizen-led energy initiatives, and places citizens at the heart of the energy transition.”

Minister Van der Straeten explains her support: “Our energy landscape is undergoing significant change. The way we produce and consume energy is evolving as the share of renewable energy in our energy mix increases significantly. I am particularly proud to sign this manifesto in support of energy communities, as they play a central role in organising and facilitating these changes. They ensure that everyone can participate in the energy transition, a transition for all and by all.”

For media inquiries and more information about the event, please contact:

Sara Tachelet
Spokesperson , REScoop.eu
Email: sara.tachelet@rescoop.eu
Phone: +32 493 400 935

About REScoop.eu

REScoop.eu is the European federation of energy communities. We represent a growing network of 2,250 energy communities and their 1.5 million citizens who are active in the energy transition. Our goal is to support energy communities to achieve a fairer, more democratic, and sustainable energy system in Europe.

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