Brussels, 23/11/2015 (Agence Europe) - When they meet in Brussels on Thursday 26 November, EU energy ministers will discuss the three proposals brought forward by the Commission in July as part of its “summer package” for energy union: review of the energy efficiency labelling system and proposals on reform of the energy market and on a “new deal” for consumers.
Under the chairmanship of Luxembourg minister Etienne Schneider, ministers will attempt to reach a general approach on the draft regulation setting a framework for energy efficiency labelling (see EUROPE 11360). Energy labelling was introduced in 1995 to allow consumers to make informed choices when it came to energy consumption and thus to encourage innovation. In addition to a revised framework, the Commission proposed putting in place an online database. The Luxembourg Presidency of the Council of the EU expects a political agreement to be reached that would allow negotiations to be opened with the European Parliament.
Ministers will also hold a policy debate on two other communications presented as part of the “summer package”: the first on the re-design of the electricity market and the second on ways to increase the power of consumers with a new deal which will focus on increasing savings on bills by means of better information, widening choice on the electricity market and continuing to provide consumers with as much protection as possible.
In addition, the Council will adopt conclusions on energy union governance which will provide the Commission with strategic and technical guidance for this largescale European integration project, backed by the Juncker Commission, that was launched in February (see EUROPE 11262).
The Commission will present its first annual report on energy union, published on 18 November (see EUROPE 11433). This document provides a national-level analysis and also contains recommendations from the Commission.
Lastly, ministers will be briefed by the Commission on the state of play with regard to international energy relations. (Original version in French by Emmanuel Hagry)