The EU Energy Council met today, 27 June, in Luxembourg. Cyprus was represented by the Director General of the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry, Mr Marios Panagides.
The Council adopted a General Approach on the Proposal for a Directive on Energy Efficiency. The revised Directive repeals and replaces the current Directive of 2012 and aims, in particular, at updating the target for the reduction of energy consumption at EU level to the level required to achieve the objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 % compared to 1990. In his intervention, Panagides, after welcoming the proposed Directive, noted that Cyprus remains committed to the EU's overall energy efficiency target which contributes to the Union's energy transition and autonomy. He particularly welcomed the retention in this Proposal for a Directive of the differentiated approach for Cyprus and Malta with regard to the mandatory national energy saving contributions of Member States, ensuring a fair proportionate effort for all Member States.
The Council also adopted a General Approach on the Proposal for a Directive on Renewable Energy Sources. The revised Directive, which repeals and replaces the current 2018 Directive, aims to increase to 40% the 2030 target for renewable energy in the EU. In his intervention, Panagides welcomed the proposed Directive, noting that it is balanced, takes into account the EU's climate objectives, while recognising the specific situation of some Member States, including island Member States, where gross final energy consumption in the maritime transport sector is disproportionately high.
In addition, the '27' exchanged views on the energy situation in the EU in the context of the war in Ukraine. In his intervention, Panagides stressed that the gas cuts from Russia are having a serious impact on all member states, including Cyprus. He said that in Cyprus high energy prices are already having a serious impact on the economy and citizens, especially in the transport sector where Cyprus, like most small countries and islands, lacks public transport infrastructure. Furthermore, he supported the creation and operation of a common platform for the supply of natural gas, as well as the need for financial support to innovative green technologies mainly targeting the Southern Mediterranean region.
During the Council proceedings, the French Presidency presented progress reports on the Proposed Directive on the revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and the Proposed Regulation on the reduction of methane gas emissions in the energy sector.
Member states informed the Council of the progress made in the implementation of the proposed Directive on the energy efficiency of buildings and the proposed Regulation on the reduction of methane gas emissions in the energy sector. Finally, the incoming Czech Presidency of the EU Council presented the work programme for the second half of 2022.
(MF/SX)
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