IGBCE Calls on EU to Develop Domestic Energy Sources

With the supply of European energy sources becoming increasingly political, German affiliate IGBCE has called on the EU to update its coal regulatory policies in order to become less reliant on imported resources. In a letter to the European Commission calling on consultation to begin on re-working a 2002 regulation on coal mining, IGBCE said it is strategically important for the EU to have access to domestic raw materials.

“The development of world energy markets with dramatic price increases and increasing energy use,” said IGBCE President Hubertus Schmoldt, “makes it clear that Germany and Europe cannot let go of its own energy sources.” The union continues to advocate for a balanced energy mix, but says the Commission’s regulation must include promotion of domestic hard coal beyond the year 2010.