The Assembly of European Regions supports ENERGAÏA

“The energy policy for Europe, launched by José Manuel Barroso, aims to develop the wider use of renewable energy sources (RES) as one solution to our energy challenges. What the EU is striving to do now has already been done by many Regions for several years. Regions quickly recognised the huge opportunity offered by renewable energy sources for their economies and environment. Mainly produced locally, renewable energy sources offer great potential for the decentralisation of energy supply and for job creation, in particular in rural areas. Indeed, energy produced from biomass, such as forestry and agricultural residues, opens up new fields of activities and new sources of income for our farmers, which is important in the context of the new CAP, which considerably limits financial support to them. In addition to the economic aspect, RES also provide a sustainable answer to environmental degradation and climate change.

Aware of the huge potential offered to Regions by RES, the Assembly of European Regions, which I chair, has decided to launch its own energy strategy to promote the exchange of best regional practices and the setting up of fruitful new projects. This is why today we are pleased to give our support to this Fair on Renewable Energy Sources, initiated by Languedoc-Roussillon. We hope that this event will offer as many Regions as possible the opportunity to find partners for future energy projects and to take full advantage of the economic and environmental potential of RES.”

Riccardo Illy,
President of the Assembly of European Regions,
President of Friuli Venezia Giulia (Italy)

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“AER action plan on energy 2006 – 2012”