Energy Union: the regional and local dimension

The Energy Union strategy, launched in February 2015, integrates all EU energy policy ambitions and objectives to date and seeks to capitalise on the various funds and initiatives already in place. EU cohesion policy, aimed at ensuring balanced development across EU territory, will make a significant contribution to the fulfilment of the Energy Union’s overarching goal of decarbonisation. For the period 2014-20, €38 billion will be available under the European Fund for Regional Development and the Cohesion Fund to support investments in the low-carbon economy. To help regions make best use of this funding, different expertise-sharing platforms have been established, notably in the field of research and innovation. The local and regional levels are actively involved in on-the-ground delivery of EU energy policy ambitions. Useful lessons can be drawn from cooperation initiatives in place at this level, in view of a possible replication in other parts of Europe, contributing to further integration in the energy field. With almost 75% of the EU's population living in European cities, the Energy Union clearly has an urban dimension. Cooperation frameworks include the Covenant of Mayors and the European Innovation Partnership on Smart Cities and Communities.