The European energy ministers will meet in Brussels, on Monday 4 March, for the first ‘Energy’ Council under the Belgian Presidency of the EU Council, to discuss, among other things, the proposed extension of the reduction in gas demand, security of supply for the coming winter and the flexibility of the European energy system as part of the energy transition.
Security of supply
The ministers will begin their discussions on existing routes and potential new solutions to strengthen energy security and prepare for the winter of 2024-2025.
“We believe that we must continue our joint efforts, ask the delegations for advice on how to strengthen future energy infrastructures and further reinforce the security of supply, which has been put to the test by the war in Ukraine”, said a European diplomat.
Reducing demand for gas
The ministers will then attempt to reach agreement on the European Commission’s proposal for a recommendation, dated 27 February, to extend the temporary measures to reduce gas demand, which expire on 31 March (see EUROPE 13359/14).
These were first adopted in 2022 by means of an emergency regulation and then extended in 2023 in order to ensure that gas reserves are replenished and to prepare for possible supply disruptions.
The non-binding instrument recommends that Member States continue their efforts to reduce gas demand by 15% compared to the reference period between 1 April 2017 and 31 March 2022.
“The message is clear: even if prices return to their previous levels, the geopolitical situation does not allow us to increase our gas consumption. The EU’s decarbonisation efforts and the gradual phase-out of Russian gas are also at stake”, explained the same diplomatic source.
Flexibility of the energy system
They will also discuss the flexibility required for Europe’s energy system as part of the transition to carbon-neutral energy sources. This system must be able to adapt to fluctuations in energy production and consumption.
The Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) estimates that the European energy system will need more than double the current amount of flexibility resources by 2030 to meet changing needs.
Energy and climate targets for 2030
The European Commission will also be taking stock of the progress made by the Member States in achieving the 2030 energy and climate targets, such as the 11.7% reduction in energy consumption, the 42.5% target for the share of energy from renewable sources and the improvement in energy efficiency and the EU’s independence from energy imports from third countries.
Lunch will be devoted specifically to the state of the wind energy sector in Europe.
The Austrian, Czech and Slovak ministers will also present information on the impact of the gas storage neutrality charge and the need for better coordination at European level.
Lithuania will seek urgent legal action to stop Russian LNG imports into the EU.
Finally, the Ukrainian Energy Minister, German Galushchenko, will brief the European ministers on the energy situation in Ukraine by videoconference.
Nuclear Alliance
In the margins of the EU Council, several Member States will meet within the framework of the European Nuclear Alliance (see EUROPE 13356/36). The Belgian Presidency of the EU Council recalled that Belgium had previously joined this alliance as an observer, but that, as part of the Presidency, it would not be taking part in this meeting.
The members are expected to discuss a proposal by the French Minister of Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, Bruno Le Maire, for an IPCEI (Important Project of Common European Interest) specific to the nuclear energy sector. (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)