Think Global – Act Local: The Role of Regional Governments inside the EU’s Energy and Climate Package

The global energy system as we know it is undergoing an immense structural crisis at the heart of which lie the need to restrain climatic change, and with it the emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), while simultaneously dealing with resource scarcity in the context of a growing demand for energy. These twin threats to climate and energy security endanger the world economy and international stability. In response to these pressures the European Union has set out three domestic targets to be reached by 2020: An overall 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, a 20% share of renewable energy in the primary energy mix, and a non-binding 20% energy efficiency targets.

In order to achieve these targets, however, the European Union will not only have to rely on its member states but also on regional governments within the EU. In this context, the Minister of the Federal State of Bremen, Dr. Reinhard Loske who is responsible for Environment and Transport as well as for European Affairs would like to present his vision of what can be the role of a regional government within the EU’s energy and climate dossier. How can regional governments contribute in promoting the broader goals advanced by the Union? Can they influence EU decision-making in this field? What policies or instruments are available to them? And how does the EU intend to work with regional governments in this sphere?

Speakers:
- Dr. Reinhard Loske, Minister for Environment and Construction, Transport and European Affairs, Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, Germany, (The Greens)
- Stina Soewarta, Member of Cabinet Piebalgs, European Commission

Chair:
TBA