At the Council meeting on 16 December, the European energy ministers will hold a debate organised by the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU on the future of energy policy, with a view to “a genuine Energy Union”.
Following on from the Budapest Declaration on European Competitiveness (see EUROPE 13521/2), the Hungarian Presidency, in a preparatory document approved by the Member States’ ambassadors to the EU on 4 December (see other news), returned to the need for action to deal with high and volatile electricity prices in Europe.
“Energy-intensive industries, in particular, face significant challenges as they transition to cleaner technologies while competing in global markets. Dedicated policy support will be crucial to help these sectors adopt low-carbon solutions without compromising their economic viability”, wrote the Presidency.
The ministers will therefore be asked what initiatives should be prioritised in the next legislative cycle to advance the objectives of the Energy Union and ensure “secure, affordable and sustainable” energy.
They will be asked specifically what actions and measures should be included in the ‘Action Plan for Affordable Energy’, which will be presented during the European Commission’s first 100 days to reduce energy costs. The plan could be unveiled on 26 February, at the same time as the presentation of the long-awaited ‘Clean Industry Plan’, which includes an action plan for the electrification of the EU.
To see the Presidency document, go to https://aeur.eu/f/emw (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)