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Another truth is that this transformation creates jobs. In 2014, around 9 million jobs were already linked to the transition to a low-carbon economy. A Commission study concluded that by 2030, this number could double to about 18 million jobs.These are the opportunities that I mentioned. They mean better living conditions on our planet, in our regions and cities, and they mean jobs. But, as I said before, there is also a challenge. This transition will not happen by itself, and it will not happen everywhere at the same time. This means that we have to manage and accompany this transition.When we adopted the European Energy Union Strategy in February 2015, we made this already clear: change means disruption and a need to adjust. Many sectors of our economy, business models or job profiles will need to adjust, and new business models will emerge with new technologies. Our workforce will need the right skills for the transition. And sometimes, social measures will be required. I think the two most important elements for managing this transition successfully are clarity about the goals and time. The Paris Agreement gives us clarity and a timeframe at the global level. At European Union level, we have set ourselves clear targets for 2030 and a scenario for 2050.The Energy Union Strategy that we adopted last year integrates the various dimensions of this transition, and tries to address them through a policy mix which includes energy, climate, transport, industry, research, employment, financial, social and economic policies.Let me just recall that we have already made a number of legislative proposals and other initiatives, notably the proposal for reforming the Emission Trading System and the proposal for reducing GHG emissions in each Member State in sectors which are not covered by the Emission Trading System.Most of the remaining initiatives will follow by the end of this year, notably the ones concerning energy efficiency policies in Europe, policies for energy from renewable energy sources and a new design for the electricity market. All in all, we should have all major proposals on the table by the end of this year; a few others concerning the transport sector will follow next year. Once the European Parliament and the Council – which means the governments of each Member State – have discussed and agreed on them, we will have clarity for the energy transition at European level. But of course, this is not enough. The Energy Union and the energy transition will not happen in Paris or Brussels alone. They must happen in the Member States, in the regions, cities and counties in Europe. Public authorities, companies, workers and citizens will need clarity on the way forward in their respective Member State and their region.Therefore, we will also make a proposal on the so-called “governance”. This means a European framework which will allow us to ensure that Europe as a whole – all 28 Member States – deliver on our goals and will provide clarity at national level. Our proposal is therefore that Member States should adopt National Energy and Climate Plans. These plans should cover the period from 2021 to 2030 and include a perspective until 2050. This would mean a long term vision and predictability for all stakeholders.Vice-President Maroš Šefcovic delivered the above remarks (edited version) at the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) conference “Industrial Regions and Climate Policies: Trade Unions Perspectives” on 5 October 2016 in Brussels, Belgium. For more information visit: Pictured: Maroš Šefcovicwww.europa.eu.THE G20 MEMBER COUNTRIES 031