The European Union Energy Initiative for poverty Eradication and Sustainable Development - a partnership initiative

The EU Energy initiative is an attempt to create a focus on better access to sustainable energy services fot the more than two billion 'energy poor' of our planet. Actions will be driven by the needs and priorities of the participating developing countries. 

Energy is a key component of any poverty eradication and sustainable development strategy and is crucial to the achievement of the millennium development goals. without better access to sustainable energy services, it will be hard to develop businesses and income generating activities; homes, schools, health centers will remain without adequate energy for lighting, communication, water supply and cooling, and streets will remain dark at night. Women and children will continue to be exposed to indoor air pollution from the use of biomass, paraffin or coal for cooking and heating.