Energy infrastructure, energy efficiency and the energy roadmap 2050 were the main topics of debate for the ENVE Commission, which took place yesterday. Heniz Lehmann's draft opinion on a trans-European energy infrastructure, which proposes to improve the planning and construction efficiency of major energy infrastructure projects and improve transparency, was adopted by the vast majority and will go through to the July plenary session.

Outlining his opinion, the rapporteur and member of Saxony Landtag stressed that the initiative should ensure that alternative sources are tapped and that renewables are significantly developed by efficient and effective means. He also asknowledged that fossil fuels will inevitably play a part in the future energy mix even if its share is reduced. Moreover, during the amendments, Mr Lehmann insisted on keeping an open mind and being flexible in the language of the regulation. The European Commission representative also noted the importance of the CoR opinion stating "We count very much on the regions to make this facility work... we think that it is necessary to involve stakeholders early on in the process and here local and regional authorities have a particular role."

In December last year the European Commission adopted the Energy Roadmap 2050 which aims to achieve a low-carbon Europe by 2050 whilst ensuring that the EU maintains its competitiveness and secures energy supply in the longer term. The CoR is developing an opinion on the proposals which is being led by Ugo Cappellacci. During yesterday's debate, it was argued that whilst sustainable projects are already being undertaken at a local and regional level, far more needs to be done if these far reaching objectives are to be achieved.