I had a lecture today from the former foreign minister of the Netherlands, Bernard Bot. He’s a Christian democrat, so obviously to the centre-right of politics, and far from an insignificant figure. He was talking on the topic of the widening and deepening of Europe, but touched on energy policy, especially regarding our relations with our eastern neighbours. He seemed genuinely convinced that it won’t be possible to expand renewable generating capacity to a significant level; in short, he seemed to advocate the continued development of oil, gas, and nuclear generating capacity.

Being someone who is immersed in politics, I naturally have good friends in most parties across the political spectrum, and when it comes to matters such as this, they all seem—much as I am—firm in their convictions on renewables and energy policy, with the general consensus being that it isn’t enough and we need to develop nuclear and strengthen links to oil and gas producing regions (ie. Russia). Of course, greens can come up with a dozen arguments as to why this is the wrong approach, but seeing as we like to believe our views are firmly rooted in fact and the rigours of science, what possesses those of other political colours to hold firm to the views they advocate? More importantly, what does this mean for the chances of being able to tackle energy supply and demand issues, and of course, climate change? Unfortunately this question was a little too off topic for me to ask in the Q&A session at the end of his lecture, but it’d be interesting to hear if anyone has any thoughts on the matter.

A slightly smaller Thursday briefing than usual is back again this week. I’m still trying to get caught up with too many meetings, lectures and classes, but hopefully next week’s briefing will be back to normal.

Down To The Last Teaspoon

Showing a remarkable level of green thinking, the EU’s Energy Commissioner has urged oil drilling in the Arctic. Commissioner Andris Pieblags justified his call by questioning where else Europe could get its energy from, if not the Arctic.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Meanwhile, all the ethnic groups of Sarajevo have united around the issue of gay rights. Unfortunately, they’re showing roughly the same level of enlightenment toward the issue, as Commissioner Pieblags is showing to the environment. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s first gay pride event has been met with protests, in which ten people were injured.

Ireland

While it perhaps isn’t of any great importance outside the area, the radio station I remember from childhood, Galway Bay FM, reports that the Green Party has announced its local candidates for the city and county elections.

Estonia

The Green Party has warned of the risks of privatising Eesti Energia, the currently state-owned energy company for the state. Among the concerns over privatisation are the risk of corruption and of Russian state-owned energy firm Gazprom, taking over the company.

England & Wales

A North Cumbria Green Party has been formed to take on the established parties in the region, fight upcoming local elections in ‘09 and 2010, and help in the effort to elect Peter Cranie as a Green MEP for the North West region of England.

And Finally…

MEP Alexander Alvaro has produced the following funny (remember I’m a bit of a politics geek, so my definition of funny may be quite far off the general definition) video as part of the One Seat campaign.

Georgian War

The European Green Party has called for unconditional ceasefire in Georgia. The Co-operation & Development Network of young greens in Eastern Europe has also spoken against the conflict, and plans an action in Hungary to call for peace and remember those killed in the fighting.

Berlin Neo-Nazi Parade

A Neo-Nazi group in Berlin has announced plans for a protest march through an immigrant district, against the construction of a Hindu temple. Derek Wall blogs about it here, and a Facebook group has been formed also.

Party News

Ireland

Questions over the Lisbon Treaty rumble on in Ireland, as an email is sent to Party members, asking for their views on the controversial treaty. The Irish Times covers the story.

Meanwhile, there are concerns over changes to the student-finance system, with a demonstration being planned, involving the Irish Young Greens. Again, the Irish Times have the story.

UK

Caroline Lucas MEP featured in an article in The Independent on Monday, in which she answered questions from members of the public (and a few party members).

Europe

The European Green Party has criticised the attendance of European leaders at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Beijing.

France has laid out plans for progress on environmental measures during its presidency of the European Union.

The EU is in the early stages of examining a ‘supergrid’ electricity distribution system to bring solar power from the Sahara to European states.

László Kovács, EU Taxation Commissioner, has supported the concept of windfall taxes on oil companies, to compensate the poor for high fuel costs.

Rules limiting power consumption for some electronic devices while on standby are expected to be approved by the EP later this year, probably taking force in 2010.