Seventeen European Union member states, including Belgium, are receiving technical support from the European Commission to curb their reliance on Russian fossil fuels.
The support involves advice on the policy decisions and investments that can help them diversify energy supplies, accelerate the transition to renewable energy and increase energy efficiency, according to a Commission press release.
“Alongside the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, Member States are confronted with an unprecedented energy crisis," Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, said.
"The Technical Support Instrument will provide targeted, tailor-made and timely support to each of these Member States' rapidly changing needs.” The support mechanism is also in line with the wider EU plan for more affordable, secure and sustainable energy.
Accelerating a phase-out of fossil fuels
After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the European Union decided to accelerate the phase-out of Russian fossil fuels to decrease the continent's dependency on the country, and focus more on renewable energy.
Member States were invited to ask the European Commission for technical support in meeting that challenge on 21 March. Seventeen Member States, including Belgium, did so.
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Specifically, technical expertise was provided to see which policy decisions and investments would bring the best results for the country in question. The technical support will help in mitigating price shocks in the medium term, including by accelerating the EU's green transition.
Apart from Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Ireland, Greece, Spain, Croatia, Italy, Cyprus, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia and Finland have also requested support.
