The Green Tank submitted detailed positions in the framework of the European Commission’s Call for Evidence on the Citizens Energy Package, as well as responses to the related questionnaire.
The EU must systematically integrate the principles of a just transition into its policies, ensuring that social justice, citizen participation, and consumer protection are not treated as add-ons, but as essential dimensions of the European Green Deal and its related strategies.
Resources for supporting citizens
Continuing the Just Transition Mechanism in the next EU budget (2028–2034) for lignite regions is of critical importance. The introduction of the new ETS2 in 2027 for buildings and road transport should be seen not only as a tool to accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels, but also as an opportunity to place social justice at the heart of the energy transition.
Given the high levels of energy poverty in member states, the EU should also consider continuing the Social Climate Fund beyond 2032, ensuring sufficient funding for long-term decarbonization measures that protect citizens.
At the national level, member states must guarantee that all revenues from ETS2, as well as eligible funds from ETS1, are directed to citizens by supporting clean, long-term solutions that contribute to fossil fuel phase-out. This approach is especially critical for Greece, which remains highly exposed to both energy and transport vulnerability—affecting 26.5% and 13.9% of households respectively. Estimated funds of up to €15.5 billion from all available sources (SCF, ETS1 & ETS2) can not only reduce vulnerability but also play a decisive role in achieving climate targets in the buildings and road transport sectors.
Energy democracy and citizen participation
The need to move away from fossil fuels has been widely recognized—not only by scientists, governments, civil society organizations, and climate activists, but also by citizens themselves. In Greece, the energy crisis further mobilized citizens, who are increasingly investing in self-consumption projects, individually or through energy communities. These projects are now approaching the 1 GW milestone, highlighting the active role of citizens in the transition. However, the lack of available grid capacity and funding continue to hinder further growth. Removing these barriers and setting ambitious national targets for self-consumption should therefore be a top priority.
Equally important for securing energy democracy is enhancing community participation and ensuring a fair distribution of benefits from renewable energy projects. Such practices are essential for building public acceptance and trust. This requires involving local communities from the early planning stages of large scale renewable projects and maintaining an open dialogue among all stakeholders. Local and regional authorities, in particular, can play a decisive role in facilitating dialogue and participatory planning.
Consumer protection measures
Consumer protection must also remain a key priority for the EU. Simplifying and harmonizing electricity billing practices, strictly enforcing measures against unfair practices, and ensuring strong protection for vulnerable groups are all critical. At the same time, awareness campaigns, educational programs, and advisory services can further strengthen citizens’ trust and engagement.
Digital tools, such as the electricity tariff comparison platform in Greece, enhance transparency but must be user-friendly, regularly updated, and provide comprehensive information. They should also be complemented by offline information services to ensure accessibility for everyone.
Finally, promoting demand flexibility is crucial for enabling consumers to become active participants in the energy transition. With flexible supply contracts, such as time-of-use or hybrid tariffs, consumption can be adjusted to system needs, reducing costs for consumers and enhancing grid stability.
Overall, the Citizens’ Energy Package must place justice, participation, and consumer protection at the core of the EU’s energy transition. By channeling revenues into long-term solutions, removing barriers to citizen and community participation, and strengthening mechanisms to protect the vulnerable, it can ensure that no one is left behind.
Read The Green Tank’s full responses to the European Commission’s questionnaire here.
Read the detailed proposals submitted by Green Tank in the framework of the Call for Evidence here.
