Council outlines principles and priorities for the future of energy systems in the Energy Union - Main contents
The Council today adopted a set of conclusions on the future of energy systems in the Energy Union. They identify priorities and principles for future policy-making aimed at ensuring the energy transition towards an affordable, safe, competitive, secure and sustainable energy system.
The conclusions we have agreed today provide a vision for energy policy in the EU to 2030 and beyond. We have particularly emphasised the importance of focussing our efforts and increasing investment in the areas of infrastructure, innovative technologies and sector coupling and integration. At the same time, we have to make sure that citizens and businesses lie at the heart of the energy transition process by ensuring social acceptance and international competitiveness. It is now up to the Commission to take this forward when making new proposals in the energy field.
Anton Anton, Romanian Minister of Energy and chair of the Council
As part of preparations for the next legislative term, the conclusions call on the Commission to take into account the principles highlighted in the text when presenting new legislative proposals. They also call on the Commission to carry out an analysis of sector coupling and sector integration technologies, and to reflect the efforts required to reach the EU's energy and climate targets in the context of any future revision of the EU state aid rules.
Background
The conclusions are set against the background of the recently completed 'Clean Energy for all Europeans' legislative package and the Commission Communication 'A Clean Planet for all', which sets out a strategic vision for the EU's future climate policy.
They also recall the European Council conclusions on climate change of 13-14 December 2018, 21-22 March 2019 and 20 June 2019.
The text of the conclusions was prepared by the Presidency based on a debate of energy ministers at an informal meeting in Bucharest on 2 April 2019. It was discussed extensively during several meetings of the Energy Working Party and in the Committee of Permanent Representatives on 12 June 2019.