Brussels, 04/06/2015 (Agence Europe) - The EU energy security strategy and proposals for energy union will lie at the heart of the Council of European energy ministers, the second formal meeting under Latvian presidency, to be held in Luxembourg on Monday 8 June. Ministers will also discuss issues relating to liquefied natural gas (LNG) ahead of the strategy promised by the Commission.
Energy security. Under the chairmanship of Latvian Economy Minister Dana Reizniece-Ozola and with Commissioners Maros Sefcovic (Energy Union) and Miguel Arias Canete (Energy and Climate) in attendance, ministers will assess progress in the implementation of the European energy security strategy, proposed by the Commission in May 2014 (see EUROPE 11090) and will discuss the next steps, addressing, in particular, security of supply.
With the EU importing 53% of the energy it consumes, the energy security strategy aims to develop EU resilience to shocks and disruptions of energy supplies in the short term and to reduce dependency on particular fuels, energy suppliers and routes in the long-term. It proposes measures to improve energy efficiency, increase energy production in the EU, diversify supply routes and sources and complete the internal market by building the missing infrastructure. It also recommends “speaking with one voice” on the international stage and strengthening emergency and solidarity mechanisms.
In October 2014, the European Council approved this strategy, laying great emphasis on improving interconnection through implementation of infrastructure projects of common interest (PCIs). For electricity, the member states backed minimum cross-border interconnection goals of 10% of electricity capacity to be installed by 2020 and 15% by 2030. For gas, they called for support for critical gas PCIs and for the EU's negotiating position to be strengthened with gas suppliers by making full use of the information exchange mechanism on intergovernmental energy agreements concluded between member states and third countries (see EUROPE 11184).
In March of this year, the European Council went further, on the basis of the strategic framework for energy union presented by the Commission in February (see EUROPE 11262), stressing the need for increased transparency in gas contracts and full compliance with EU law and security of supply rules, and calling for options for voluntary demand aggregation mechanisms to be assessed (see EUROPE 11279).
The outcome of the debate will contribute to the Commission's ongoing preparatory work on the expected review of the security of gas supply regulation.
Energy union. The Council will adopt conclusions on the implementation of the framework strategy for an energy union of five dimensions - strengthening energy security, solidarity and trust; completing the internal energy market; moderation of energy demand through energy efficiency; decarbonisation of the economy; support for research, innovation and competitiveness. Implementation of all five dimensions, including the 2030 climate and energy policy framework agreed by the European Council in October 2014, will require the development of a governance system.
In its draft conclusions, the Council underlines the important role of regional cooperation, climate protection investments, and energy efficiency in reducing energy costs for consumers, and contributing to energy security. It also calls for initiatives to stimulate EU technology and innovation leadership.
LNG strategy. Over a working lunch, ministers will discuss issues relating to LNG, ahead of preparation by the Commission of a strategy on LNG. Informed by guidelines proposed by the Latvian Presidency, Council will discuss best use of LNG supply infrastructure and storage so as to be able to assure diversity and stability of supply of gas to the EU.
International relations. The Commission will brief ministers of progress in trilateral gas talks between Ukraine, Russia and the EU and the energy community.
Other business. The Czech delegation will inform the Council on the outcome of the 10th plenary meeting of the European Nuclear Energy Forum (ENEF) which took place in Prague, on 26-27 May 2015. Luxembourg will present its work programme for the second half of this year, when it will hold the presidency of the Council. (Emmanuel Hagry)