How can EU SAIs contribute to a better and more sustainable implementation of energy and climate policy within the European Union? This matter was discussed by the heads of EU SAIs under the chairmanship of the SAI of Portugal at this year’s Contact Committee meeting held in Lisbon on 21 and 22 June 2023.
In order to contribute to the implementation of the EU’s 2030 energy goals and targets, the Contact Committee Members agreed to strategically strengthen their cooperation on auditing energy and energy-related issues. To that end, they intend to
- contribute to improving the relevant processes and procedures;
- mitigate unnecessary risks and minimise the inappropriate use of public funds;
- regularly meet and discuss at auditor level to complement and benefit from each other’s knowledge and experiences and develop common approaches;
- make their audit results available to the public in the most appropriate form.
Kay Scheller, President of the Bundesrechnungshof, in a conversation with Paula Pinho, Director at the Directorate-General Energy in the European Commission Source: Tribunal de Contas
European Union faces enormous challenges
The EU aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase the share of renewable energy in energy consumption, improve energy efficiency and interconnect the EU’s electricity systems.
This will require major transformations of the Member States’ energy systems, but also massive investments from public and private, national and EU funds.
Furthermore, the war in Ukraine has a direct impact on the EU energy market and the citizens in the EU. Therefore, the energy supply in the EU needs to become more resilient, sustainable and independent of external shocks.
In this light, the European Commission launched its REPowerEU Plan mobilising almost €300 billion. The Plan aims to help the EU save energy, produce clean energy and diversify its energy supplies.
Achieving the energy and climate goals and targets within the European Union is a major challenge. Through their audit work, SAIs make transparent where the Member States stand and where enhancements are urgently needed.