WRITTEN QUESTION E-1366/03 by Jonas Sjöstedt (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. EU citizens' awareness in regard to more economic use of energy.
Date: 2003-04-10
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: energy policy, energy saving, public awareness campaign, sample survey

C 33 E/108

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

6.2.2004

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(26 May 2003)

The Commission can inform the Honourable Member that it received a communication from the Spanish
authorities on this matter on 20 March 2003.

The proposed measure, including the reasons behind its adoption, must be assessed, in particular from a
biological point of view.

The Commission is currently examining whether the initiative is compatible with the relevant provisions of
the Community legislation applicable in this area (1) (Council Regulation (EC) No 2792/1999, as amended
by Regulation (EC) No 2369/2002).

(1) Council Regulation (EC) No 2369/2002 of 20 December 2002 amending Regulation (EC) No 2792/1999 laying
down the detailed rules and arrangements regarding Community structural assistance in the fisheries sector,
OJ L 358, 31.12.2002.

(2004/C 33 E/109)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1366/03

by Jonas Sjöstedt (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(10 April 2003)

Subject: EU citizens’ awareness in regard to more economic use of energy

Modern societies are to a great extent based on large-scale consumption of energy. However, all uses of
energy create environmental problems. If energy consumption is to be reduced in the long term, wide-
ranging measures must be taken by consumers and producers alike. However, change requires knowledge
and understanding. One of the conclusions drawn from a recent survey of 16 000 EU citizens carried out
by the Directorate-General for Research is that a large section of those citizens has limited understanding
of how energy is consumed in society or of how they themselves can help to reduce energy use in their
own households.

In the Commission’s view, what measures should be taken to heighten the awareness of EU citizens to
achieve more economic use of energy?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(16 May 2003)

In order to achieve the necessary objectives as described in the Green Paper on energy supply, on the
demand side the Commission implements several instruments like legislation, promotion and education to
help raise awareness of European citizens in energy use. The Commission is of the opinion that a mix of
these approaches is important.

Nevertheless the Commission notes with pleasure that according to the recent Eurobarometer survey on
energy there is a high awareness among European citizens that energy is very important in our society and
that its use affects the environment. A positive attitude towards renewable energy and energy savings is
clearly there.

Measures that were and are being taken to heighten the energy awareness of European citizens include the
following initiatives:

(cid:1) Examples of awareness creation through information and promotion:

(cid:1) The Energy Framework Programme, in particular in its Altener and Save projects, included the
promotion of efficient production and consumption of energy, particularly measures aimed at the
educational sector and the wider public, as well as the support for the development of a network
of regional and local energy agencies. These actions will continue with the new Intelligent Energy
programme (2003-2006).

6.2.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 33 E/109

(cid:1) A Public Awareness Campaign for an Energy Sustainable Europe will be launched early 2004 as a
successor to the Renewable Energy Campaign for Take-off 2000-2003. Promoting best practice in
energy efficiency will be one of the pillars of this campaign involving national, regional and local
decision-makers in order to sensitise the public.

(cid:1) As a result of various campaigns there are now major websites providing information on

renewable energy sources and energy efficiency, including ManagEnergy.

(cid:1) A publication for distribution to the general public on the building directive and on how to save

energy is being prepared for distribution in print and through internet.

(cid:1) Additional awareness is created indirectly by means of press releases.

(cid:1) Some examples of awareness creation through Commission legislation or voluntary actions:

(cid:1) Labelling of domestic appliances: All consumers that are purchasing this kind of equipment are
informed of the energy performance at the point of sale in order to help them make responsible
choices. The information would also be provided on documentation leaflets and applies to
internet sales as well.

(cid:1) Labelling of office equipment: In this programme a special Energy Star logo is awarded to energy

efficient office equipment (computers, printers, scanners, …).

(cid:1) Ecolabel: Energy efficiency is one of the most important criteria to get this high quality label on

life cycle environmental impact.

(cid:1) Certification of buildings: In the near future, the new directive on buildings will imply certification
of the global energy performance of buildings, including homes of Union citizens. In addition,
buildings over 1 000 square metres (m2) occupied by public authorities and other institutions
providing public services and involving many visitors will be required to display their certificate
clearly to the public. In light of the results of the survey on energy these measures should boost
energy awareness considerably.

(2004/C 33 E/110)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1372/03

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(15 April 2003)

Subject: Promotion of olive oil on the Community and world markets

The provisions to promote olive oil on the European and world markets contained in the regulation
governing the common organisation of the market in olive oil expired at the end of 2002. Moreover, olive
oil is not covered by Council Regulation (EC) 2826/2000 (1) on information and promotion actions for
agricultural products on the internal market or the corresponding Commission implementing Regulation
(EC) 94/2002 (2). Since 1 January 2003, therefore, there has been no Community action to promote olive
oil on the world market.

Since this situation is one of concern to olive growers, will the Commission say what steps it will take to
address this problem?

(1) OJ L 328, 23.12.2000, p. 2.
(2) OJ L 17, 19.1.2002, p. 20.