EU Energy Ministers discuss the future of the energy systems in Luxembourg
The last Energy Council of the Romanian Presidency will be held in Luxembourg on 25 June. Finland’s representative at the meeting is the Minister of Economic Affairs Katri Kulmuni.
The ministers will discuss the Council conclusions on the future of the energy systems in the Energy Union and external energy relations. The Commission will also present the country-specific recommendations for the draft National Energy and Climate Plans. Towards the end of the meeting, Minister Kulmuni will present energy aspects of programme of Finland’s Presidency that will start on 1 July.
The Council should adopt the conclusions drafted by the Romanian Presidency concerning the future of the energy systems. The aim is to develop the EU energy systems to ensure the energy transition and the achievement of energy and climate objectives to 2030.
Under the three themes of the conclusions, efforts will be made to promote 1) the development of reliable and cost-effective energy networks, 2) the development and deployment of innovative technologies and 3) sector coupling and sector integration.
Finland supports the Council conclusions. It is good to take a comprehensive approach on the future of the European energy systems that takes account of the investment needs, infrastructure development and innovative solutions and technologies.
The ministers will also discuss the EU’s external energy relations. The background document prepared by the Romanian Presidency proposes four questions to guide the debate. The ministers are invited to discuss the different forms of EU-US energy cooperation, EastMed gas pipeline project, China’s Silk Road project, i.e. the Belt and Road Initiative, and EU’s Euro-Asia Connectivity Strategy. Discussion is also invited about how the role of European energy companies in developing Africa’s energy markets, particularly for renewable energy and natural gas.
Under other business the Commission will present the communication published on 18 June concerning recommendations on the draft National Energy and Climate Plans the Member States have submitted to the Commission. In line with the Energy Union Governance Regulation, the Commission will use the plans to follow-up how Member States have implemented the 2030 energy and climate objectives. Based on the feedback now received from the Commission, the Member States will submit their finalised plans to the Commission by the end of the year. During the Presidency Finland will further promote this discussion, and the national plans will also be discussed at the Energy Ministers’ meeting on 24 September.
Towards the end of the meeting Minister of Economic Affairs Katri Kulmuni will present energy aspects programme of Finland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU that will start on 1 July. During the Presidency Finland will promote the completion of the National Energy and Climate Plans and place particular emphasis on the role of the energy sector and especially innovative energy technologies in climate change mitigation. On 13–15 November Finland will organise the SET-Plan Conference on energy technology in Helsinki. The Energy Council will be held in Brussels on 24 September and 4 December.
Inquiries:
Nina Alatalo, Special Adviser (EU and International Affairs), Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 50 431 8015
Petteri Kuuva, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 50 331 5309
Markku Kinnunen, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 50 396 3328 (NECP)
Katja Tuokko, Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 50 465 5533 (EU Coordination)
Mauri Vieru, Communications Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 50 431 6519
Sanna Ek-Husson, Senior Specialist, Permanent Representation of Finland to the EU, Brussels, tel. +32 470 206 178
Eeva Laavakari, Communications Officer, Permanent Representation of Finland to the EU, Brussels, tel. +32 473 531 340