1 July 2024 marks the start of the Hungarian Presidency of the EU Council. While the main priorities for the next six months are the continent’s competitiveness, the strengthening of European defence policy, migration, agriculture and demographic challenges, some guidelines specifically target the EU’s energy policies.
Although the paragraph of the new Presidency’s programme devoted to energy policy remains succinct, Hungary is committed to following the EU’s policy line in the fight against climate change (see EUROPE 13442/16), while ensuring a fair and equitable transition and focusing on the EU’s competitiveness.
An informal meeting of European energy ministers will be held on 15 and 16 July in Budapest.
As the energy sector is a key player in ensuring the continent’s competitiveness, the Hungarian Presidency wants to place particular emphasis on geothermal energy. It considers that the development of this technology “may play a key role in ensuring energy autonomy and security as well as in meeting climate goals”.
Between now and the EU ‘Energy’ Council on 16 December, Hungary plans to adopt conclusions on promoting geothermal energy and reducing the associated financing risks.
The Presidency also emphasises the need to guarantee affordable prices for energy consumers.
Secondly, it considers nuclear energy to be “one of the pillars of the success of the green transition”, indicating that it would support initiatives in this area.
Hungary has also indicated its support for promoting access to targeted EU funding for natural gas infrastructure projects “that enhance source and route diversification”.
Discussions will be held as well on the implementation of energy policy objectives in the national ‘Energy-Climate’ plans (see other news) and the ‘Fit for 55’ package.
In addition, the Hungarian Presidency has undertaken to continue the work begun by the Belgian Presidency on the development of electricity networks with dedicated political debates (see EUROPE 13420/1).
Finally, it will host a number of high-level events relating to EU energy policy, including the ministerial meeting on energy connectivity in central and south-eastern Europe and a conference on the SET (Strategic Energy Technology) Plan, scheduled for October and November 2024 respectively.
To see the Hungarian Presidency programme: https://aeur.eu/f/cw9 (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)