Brussels, 01/07/2010 (Agence Europe) - The Belgian EU Council Presidency, which took over on Thursday 1 July, will continue preparatory work for the 2011-2020 action plan on the energy policy for Europe, to be adopted by the European Council in spring 2011. On the basis of a communication from the European Commission and results of a public consultation process, the Council will adopt conclusions on the content of the action plan during this term of presidency. The Council will trigger debate on one of the major initiatives of the Belgian term of office - adoption of a road map for 2050 aimed at a long term strategy for a low carbon economy. Also, the Commission will propose a communication on the guidelines and best practices relating to regional energy cooperation initiatives, to be examined by the Council. The most awaited initiative is the new package on energy infrastructure, to be tabled by the Commission by the end of the year, to be discussed in the Council during the Belgian half-year presidency. The Belgian Presidency plans to give the initiative content, working on the offshore wind energy network of North Sea countries. It will also pay special attention to the development of smart grids. Review of the guidelines for trans-European energy networks (TEN-E) is also on the agenda, and the Commission is expected to present its new programme in November.
As 2010 is the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, the Belgian EU Presidency will, in cooperation with the Commission, organise a debate on measures to be implemented in order to make energy policy more consumer-friendly. Socialist Paul Magnette is quite plain in his views on this dossier, left by the outgoing Belgian energy minister. Before the fall of the Belgian government, Magnette planned to insist on the social dimension of European energy policy, above all pledging to better define the notion of energy poverty.
In the chapter on the nuclear option, a legislative proposal on the management of radioactive waste is expected during this Presidency's term of office. The Commission promotes the setting in place of a common legislative framework on the safety of installations and the management of radioactive waste and spent fuel. The Belgian presidency will trigger the debate in Council.
On the renewables chapter, the Belgian Presidency will conduct the debate on application of biomass with a view to the Commission assessment due in 2011. It will also invite the Council to tackle the question of biomass sustainability criteria.
Furthermore, a Commission report on implementation of the European economic recovery plan is also expected this term, including a major chapter on energy projects. Also, review of the regulation on the recovery plan will be negotiated under the Belgian Presidency, so that funding not spent may be redirected to energy efficiency projects and renewable energies.
Finally, on the external chapter of energy policy, the Belgian Presidency will ensure, in cooperation with the Commission, EU coordination and effectiveness in negotiations with third countries. (E.H./transl.jl)