Brussels: A British media report reveals that the European Commission plans to accelerate the shift to clean energy by promoting measures such as remote working and subsidizing public transportation to address the energy crisis caused by the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the Financial Times reported that the Commission is preparing to present a series of "nonbinding" measures to EU member states next week. These measures aim to reduce energy demand, improve efficiency, and expedite the transition to renewable energy sources.
The proposed recommendations build upon strategies implemented during previous energy crises, such as after the Ukraine war, as part of efforts to decrease reliance on fossil fuels and encourage the adoption of green energy. The Commission's draft suggests encouraging businesses to mandate teleworking for at least one day a week and proposing subsidies for public transport. Additionally, it recommends reducing value-added tax (VAT) on equipment like heating pumps, boilers, and solar panels.
The Financial Times, while describing the document as 'ambitious,' notes that it remains incomplete and not finalized. The report indicates that Brussels intends to assist member states in developing 'social rental schemes for clean and efficient technologies' such as electric vehicles and rechargeable batteries. Despite making a similar move in 2022, which included asking businesses and consumers to lower their heating system temperatures, some officials emphasize that these measures are merely recommendations and not prescriptive, as they "do not want to interfere in the details of people's lives."
The Commission is also reportedly considering amending a directive to ensure electricity taxes are lower than those on fossil fuels, with hopes that the energy crisis will provide grounds for renewed discussions on this measure. The US-Israeli conflict with Iran has led to a global energy shock, driving up oil prices and fuel costs worldwide. The unprovoked war and continued US violations have prompted Iran to block the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for about a fifth of the world's oil exports.
In response to concerns from Europeans and other countries, Iran has clarified that it is not responsible for the current situation and is dissatisfied with the issues faced by people regarding fuel and food prices. Iran attributes the current circumstances to the illegal military actions of the United States and the Zionist regime.