EU Directorate General - Energy and Transport
From SR
Roles
In addition to the development of Community transport and energy policies, including dealing with State aid, the Directorate‑General for Energy and Transport is responsible for managing the financial support programmes for the trans‑European networks, technological development and innovation.
Background
Transport and energy are at the heart of European policies and have a considerable impact on the everyday life of citizens. There can be no unified area without these bridges between countries and people, and the removal of barriers between Member States has facilitated the free movement of persons and goods. Transport policy, plans for which began in 1957, is aimed at sustainable mobility combining Europe’s competitiveness with the welfare of its citizens, making for greater safety and security and enhanced rights. It is an essential component of the Lisbon strategy and contributes to the EU’s social and territorial cohesion. Energy policy also dates back to the beginnings of European integration, with the ECSC Treaty on coal and steel and the Euratom Treaty on the civil use of nuclear energy. However, it really took off in the 1990s with the creation of a genuine internal market for electricity and gas, the promotion of new energy sources and a more coordinated approach to security of supply.
Reporting Hierarchy
The Directorate-General for Energy and Transport], based in Brussels, reports to the Vice-President of the European Commission, Commissioner for Transport and the Commissioner for Energy.
The Directorate‑General for Energy and Transport is headed by Matthias Ruete
