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Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy), 27 June 2022
Main results
‘Fit for 55’ package
The Council adopted its negotiating positions (general approaches) on two proposals that tackle the energy aspects of the EU’s climate transition under the ‘Fit for 55’ package:
revision of the energy efficiency directive
revision of the renewable energy directive
The agreement of the member states on these two proposals marks a major step forward in the fight against global warming. Decarbonising our energy systems through a massive deployment of renewable energies and significant efforts in energy savings is essential to achieve our climate objectives. It will also help us to reduce our dependence on Russia for energy, in the context of the war in Ukraine.
Agnès Pannier-Runacher, French minister for the energy transition
Energy production and use account for 75% of the EU’s emissions and the increased targets agreed today will be an important contribution towards meeting the EU’s overall goal of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
Fit for 55: how the EU plans to boost renewable energy (infographic)
Decarbonisation
The presidency presented a report on the progress made on a proposal on the energy performance of buildings. The Commission adopted this proposal on 15 December 2021, as part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package and discussions on the proposal have started under the French Presidency. This directive is an essential instrument to achieve the EU’s decarbonisation objectives set for 2030 and 2050. At EU level, buildings represent 40% of energy consumption and 36% of direct and indirect energy-related greenhouse gas emissions.
Ministers also took note of a report presented by the presidency on the progress made on a proposal to reduce methane emissions in the EU. Methane is a greenhouse gas with a significant impact on climate change, and the most cost-effective reductions can be achieved in the energy sector. The Commission presented this proposal on 14 December 2021, as part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package.
Fit for 55: how the EU will become more energy-efficient (infographic)
Gas storage
The Council adopted a regulation on gas storage that aims to ensure that gas storage facilities in the EU are filled before the winter and can be shared between member states in a spirit of solidarity.
Energy situation in the EU in the context of the war in Ukraine
Ministers held an exchange views on the energy situation in the EU in the context of the war in Ukraine. Ministers held a political discussion on current developments in the natural gas sector and shared information on their country’s preparedness level for next winter. Ministers also discussed additional actions to be envisaged in order to strengthen the EU’s common preparation. In this context, the ministers welcomed the REPowerEU plan, presented by the Commission in May 2022 and the creation of the EU Energy Platform, which will have the task of working with international suppliers and managing voluntary gas purchases.
How much gas have the EU countries stored? (infographic)
Other matters
The presidency provided an update on the state of play and next steps of the proposal on gas storage.
The Commission briefed ministers about recent developments in the field of external energy relations.
Czechia presented the work programme for its upcoming presidency.
The Council decided to extend until 30 June 2023 the mandates of two of its Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) civilian missions, the European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM Rafah) and the European Union Police Mission for the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS). The missions are part of wider EU efforts in support of Palestinian state building.
The Council adopted without debated the ‘A-items’ listed below.
The agreement of the member states on these two proposals marks a major step forward in the fight against global warming. Decarbonising our energy systems through a massive deployment of renewable energies and significant efforts in energy savings is essential to achieve our climate objectives. It will also help us to reduce our dependence on Russia for energy, in the context of the war in Ukraine.
